press release

Monday, February 2, 2004

APPLY BY MARCH 19
FOR $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS

Sweetwater Authority invites local high school seniors to compete for a $1,000 water agency scholarship. Local winners will also compete for one of 13 regional scholarships of $1,000, awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA).

Students who reside within Sweetwater Authority boundaries or attend schools within the agency's service area are eligible to compete, as are the children of agency employees. To apply for the awards, students must prepare two essays. Demonstrated academic achievement (2.5 GPA minimum) and community involvement or volunteer service is also required.

Students may download an application at www.sweetwater.org, contact Melody Diaz at (619) 409-6722, or pick up an information packet at a high school counseling office or local public library. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on March 19, 2004.

Sweetwater Authority and South Bay Irrigation District developed scholarship programs to encourage students to learn about special districts and their role in local government, said Roberts, Communications Director at Sweetwater Authority. She noted that few people are familiar with the structure and function of special districts, historically the most direct form of government for most Californians.

Sweetwater Authority provides public water service to 176,000 people residing in National City and the South Bay Irrigation District (which includes portions of Chula Vista and most of Bonita). South Bay Irrigation District holds monthly public Board meetings. Sweetwater Authority's public Board meetings are held twice monthly.

-END-