The Scholarship Program is our chapter's annual commitment to supporting students from our local community.
Funded by the generosity of our members, sponsors, partners, and local community donors, the program selects graduating high school seniors in the WMCCAI service area pursuing higher education through an annual essay contest. The number of scholarships awarded depends on funds raised—help us make a difference for as many students as possible this year!
> View our 2026 Scholarship Fundraiser online event page to contribute to the fund today.
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2026 Scholarship Contest Essay Prompt
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more every day. In 500 words or less, describe a real-life example of how AI could positively impact your community. What need does it address, what is the intended result, and how could AI be used responsibly in the future of community associations?
Contest Submission Requirements and Link to Submit
Applicants should submit the following by JUNE 1, 2026:
- 2026 Scholarship Contest Application Form (Click to download the form)
- Essay in response to this year's prompt (500 words max)
- High school transcript
- Student recommendation letter
To avoid disqualification, place your submission's required materials into a single folder so you can upload all materials together using the button below.
Please remember to include first and last name in all required material file names, including the folder they are placed and submitted in. If you have questions about your files or the submission process, email info@caidc.org!
Judging Criteria
Judges will base their final decision upon the best overall essay(s), looking at elements like:
Level of detail provided for the program that would be implemented.
How realistic the program is.
Additional points will be awarded for essays that have been submitted to a community leader and the community leader’s written feedback is submitted.
Submissions Deadline
Deadline to submit is June 1st, 2026: CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT!
Scholarship Award
WMCCAI will grant one or more awards of at least $1,000 for the best overall essay(s).
The award winner(s) will be announced within 60 days after the application deadline and winner(s) essays will be published in the next available issue of WMCCAI's Quorum Magazine.
Submission Details
Previous winners have represented a variety of public and private schools from Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Past winning scholarships have been at least $1,000, but the total scholarship amount awarded each year varies and is based on the generosity of the sponsors and donators who participate.
One common question received is whether a graduating high school senior could still apply even if they don’t live in a homeowners’ or condominium association or cooperative. The answer is yes! All high school seniors scheduled to graduate in 2026 who submit the required materials for the Scholarship Contest will be considered.
Winning submissions become property of WMCCAI and may be printed in the chapter’s Quorum Magazine and posted to WMCCAI’s website and social media sites.
Sponsoring the Scholarship Contest
View Our 2026 Scholarship Blackboard
Want to sponsor the scholarship contest?
Contact sponsorships@caidc.org!
*Sponsorship levels, pricing, and benefits may be subject to change for the 2026 program.
Questions?
Email sponsorships@caidc.org with questions regarding sponsorship
Email info@caidc.org with questions regarding the scholarship contest, applications, etc.
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winner!
After graduating from School Without Walls, Kwabena Tyus is now studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace at Louisiana State University.
> Read his winning essay published in December 2025's issue of Quorum (page 35)
Kwabena speaking about his essay:
“I think one of the most important ways in identifying a community's weaknesses and turning that into a strength is being vigilant and present in your community. It's easy to go outside and talk to people... they have their own stories and lives... just talking to them and getting an understanding of where they come from—and what's valuable to them—is really important in making a better community for tomorrow.”
“What stands out most about Kwabena is his humility and self-motivation. Whether he's representing our school in a track meet, leading a class fundraiser, or performing in the school orchestra, he does so with quiet confidence and unwavering dedication. He is deeply respectful to peers and adults alike, and he consistently models maturity, compassion, and integrity. Kwabena represents everything we hope to see in our future leaders.”
—LaToya Grant, Assistant Principal of School Without Walls
