Scholarships Support College Students Majoring in Engineering Fields Vital to the Water Sector
Scholarship Winners Receive Priority Consideration for Paid Summer Internships
Laurel, Md. – February 17, 2026 – Applications for the 2026 WSSC Water Commissioners’ Engineering Scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship provides $3,000 annually, with a maximum of $12,000 over four consecutive years. Scholarship winners also receive priority consideration for paid summer internship opportunities at WSSC Water.
The scholarship is open to undergraduate or graduate engineering students, as well as graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into an accredited college or university engineering program.
“The Commissioners’ Engineering Scholarship was established by former Commissioners who understood that the water sector faces complex and growing challenges – from replacing aging infrastructure to strengthening public health protections,” said WSSC Water Commission Chair Mark J. Smith. “Today, we carry that vision forward by investing in the next generation of leaders who will bring innovation, energy and fresh solutions to this essential work.”
Named in honor of former Commissioners Joyce Starks and Gene W. Counihan, the scholarship program aims to financially assist students from WSSC Water's service district to further their engineering studies and encourage them to consider careers in the water and water resource recovery industry.
Up to two $3,000 scholarships may be awarded, one to a Prince George's County resident and one to a Montgomery County resident. Winners are eligible for additional awards of $3,000 each year for up to four consecutive years, as long as they meet the residency and grade-point-average requirements. Winners also receive priority consideration for paid summer internship opportunities at WSSC Water.
“Workforce development remains a strategic priority for WSSC Water, and this scholarship program is a meaningful way to introduce talented students to the vital work we do every day,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “By supporting students financially and offering hands-on internship opportunities, we benefit from their ideas and expertise to ensure our communities thrive by receiving safe, reliable and affordable water service.”
Applicants must reside in WSSC Water’s service district and be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program leading to a degree in one of the following fields: Civil Engineering (including environmental, sanitary, structural, geotechnical, water resources, fire protection, transportation, project management or construction management), Electrical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science/Engineering. High school seniors accepted into a qualifying program are also eligible.
Applicants must submit a 500- to 1,000-word essay on one of three topics:
Additional application requirements include a video introduction (no longer than five minutes), two reference letters, an official transcript, and proof of permanent residency in Prince George’s or Montgomery County.
The 2026 application period is now open and closes on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Applications may be submitted online via the Applicant Portal at https://www.wsscwater.com/scholarship or by U.S. Mail; mailed applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2026.
For complete eligibility requirements, essay topics and submission instructions, visit https://www.wsscwater.com/scholarship.
WSSC Water is the proud provider of safe, seamless and satisfying water services, making the essential possible every day for our neighbors in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. We work to deliver our best because it’s what our customers expect and deserve.