Graduate School Scholarship Opportunity
Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA)
Application Materials
“Receiving the WCMA Scholarship was one of the greatest opportunities I have
had in my professional career thus far. While I am incredibly grateful for the
financial assistance in achieving my educational objectives, I have received
countless other benefits from WCMA that have proven to be very valuable to me.
The broad professional network that I have been introduced to, in addition to
mentoring services with a City Manager, have really added value to my education.
I am passionate about serving the public, and am even more excited now about
becoming a manager in the public sector. Thank you to the WCMA for helping me
attain my educational and professional goals.” – Alissa Thurman, 2010-2011
WCMA Scholarship Winner
The Washington City/County Management Association Scholarship
The 2011-2012 WCMA Scholarship is a $2,500 educational fellowship for the 2011-2012 Academic Year.
One graduate student from a Washington, Oregon or Idaho college or university will be awarded $2,000 to be used for his or her school related expenses. In addition, the recipient will be awarded:
； Complimentary WCMA membership for 1 year;
； Up to $500 towards reimbursable expenses at the 2011 WCMA Summer
Conference, August 16-19, Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine, Washington;
； International City/County Management Association (ICMA) may offer
complimentary membership and discounted attendance at their annual conference,
September 18-21, 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
； Mentoring by a city or county manager
City and County management practitioners recognize the prestige of the WCMA Scholarship and the honor it carries for the student and the academic institution that he or she represents.
Eligibility Criteria
The primary objective of the WCMA Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students who have chosen to pursue a graduate degree in public administration and who have a desire to work in city or county management. Applicants must: (1) reside in Washington State, (2) have a bachelor's degree, (3) be enrolled in or accepted for admission to a graduate school in Washington, Oregon or Idaho, and (4) demonstrate a serious commitment to pursue a career in local government.
Preference will be given to graduate students pursuing a degree in public administration, public affairs, or public policy.
WCMA Background
WCMA is an affiliate of the International City/County Management Association, an organization devoted to enhancing the proficiency of city managers, county managers, and other municipal administrators. The primary goal of the Washington City/County Management Association is to increase the knowledge, proficiency, quality and professionalism of local government management by providing education, information, and support services to members and their agencies. WCMA encourages the development of professional relationships and facilitates the exchange of ideas and information among members. WCMA also actively assists the Association of Washington Cities in its programming, legislative efforts, and support role to local government.
Members include managers, administrators, and assistants of municipalities, counties, and other similar government agencies. Persons pursuing the profession of city or county administration, and individuals who have made distinct contributions to the advancement of the field of public administration also are welcome and encouraged to join. Over 250 managers and assistants are currently members of WCMA.
For more resources available to you, as the next generation of city and county managers, please visit the WCMA next generation web page at http://www.wccma.org/newgen.htm.
Application Process
Interested students should fill out this application and submit it by the deadline, Friday, April 29,
2011. Typing in the application document is encouraged. Emailed submittals are HIGHLY DESIRED but mailed or faxed submittals will be considered. Information submitted will be verified prior to the selection of a recipient. Please return all application materials to:
Cathleen Koch
Deputy City Administrator
City of Prosser th601 7 Street
Prosser, WA 99350
(509) 786-8225 phone
(509) 786-3717 fax
ckoch@ci.prosser.wa.us
Questions during the application period are welcomed.
A committee of current Washington city and county managers and the past recipient will review the applications. All applicants will be notified of the outcome in June.
WCMA Scholarship Application
I. Personal
Name________________________________________________________________________________________
First Middle Last
A. Applicant’s Contact Information at School
Street Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State _______________ Zip __________________
Phone Number _________________________________ Email Address _____________________________
B: Home Contact Information (if different)
Street Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State _______________ Zip __________________
Phone Number _________________________________ Email Address _____________________________
II. Education
A. High School
High School Name ______________________________________________________ GPA __________________ City _______________________________________________ State _______________ Zip __________________ B. Undergraduate (Attach a copy of your transcript)
Undergraduate School Name ______________________________________________ GPA __________________ City _______________________________________________ State _______________ Zip __________________ C. Graduate
; Currently enrolled as a student in good standing
; Not currently enrolled, but a letter of acceptance is attached.
Graduate Institution ____________________________________________________________________________ Degree Program _______________________________________________________________________________ Graduate Years Remaining __________________ Graduate GPA (if applicable) ____________________________
III. Work Experience
Provide a summary of your relevant work experience, including internships:
Month/Year
From To Name of Workplace Position
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ IV. Recognition and Honors
List school, community, professional or other recognition and honors:
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ V. Community Service/Civic Activities
Summarize your community service/civic/professional activities:
Month/Year
From To Organization Position Service/Civic/Professional Activity
______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Supplemental Information
Please include the following items with your application:
; One official copy of your undergraduate transcripts
; One official copy of your graduate transcripts (if applicable)
; Two letters of reference, one from a previous or current undergraduate or graduate academic instructor and
the other from a previous or current work supervisor.
; A letter of application, no more than two pages in length, describing why you want to enter the city/county
management field, what you hope to gain from your experience in receiving the scholarship, and why you
believe you should be considered for this scholarship.
An initial unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient to meet the deadline but must be followed by an official
copy of them.
Return this application, no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2011, to: thCathleen Koch, City of Prosser, 601 7 Street, Prosser, WA 99350, ckoch@ci.prosser.wa.us, (509) 786-3717 (fax)