PORT ORCHARD — As a member of the Association of Washington Cities, Port Orchard is encouraging its college-bound students to apply for AWC’s $1,000 2017 Quality Communities Scholarship.

The AWC Center for Quality Communities is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Association of WashingtonCities to promote civic engagement and provide the public a better understanding of the role cities and towns play in Washington, according to Brandy Rinearson, Port Orchard city clerk.

Rinearson said South Kitsap High applicants must meet the following requirements: they must be involved (or have been involved) with a city government or with a community/school leadership activity; be eligible to graduate from high school, complete home school or receive a GED in spring/summer 2017; be a Washington state resident; and plan to continue education in the 2017-2018 academic year at an accredited college, community college or trade school on a half-time or more basis.

The scholarship winner will be notified in May 2017.

The city clerk said a Port Orchard student has yet to be a beneficiary of the award. “Each year, we are optimistic and wish the best for all who apply,” Rinearson said.

“They don’t necessarily have to live within the city. But since the high school is within the city, we ask that they go, or have gone, to South Kitsap High School.”

She said the scholarship winner will be notified in May 2017.

To apply, fill out the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship Fund application posted at http://bit.ly/2kuHOSh and submit by mail to the City of Port Orchard, 216 Prospect St., Port Orchard, WA 98366, or email cityhall@cityofportorchard.us. Applications must be received no later than Monday, Feb. 27.