The city of West Hollywood reminds community members looking to give back this holiday season about the West Hollywood Youth Scholarship Program. One of the first municipal governmental programs of its kind in the country, the Youth Scholarship Program awards $2,000 to students who reside in West Hollywood and complete 150 hours of community service.

Donating to the Youth Scholarship Program is a great way to give back. The program supports local students in West Hollywood in pursuing their education beyond high school. Donations to the Youth Scholarship Program are tax-deductible and support scholarship funds for students for any expense incurred in pursuing education at an accredited college, university, trade or vocational school. For community members who are interested in donating, visit the donation link posted at weho.org/youthscholarship, or visit the direct link at secure.qgiv.com/for/youthsco.

Prospective applicants who are interested in the Youth Scholarship Program may visit the program page on the city of West Hollywood’s website for details at weho.org/youthscholarship. Applications for the program will open in spring 2023. To qualify, students must meet the following requirements: applicant is a West Hollywood resident at the time the scholarship application is submitted and awarded. Visit weho.org/city-government/contact-us/map-of-weho for a map of West Hollywood. Applicants must be a high school senior on target to graduate or individual receiving a GED; or is planning to pursue post-secondary education and has proof of acceptance to a post-secondary institution; and applicantants also must have performed 150 hours of verified community service.

The West Hollywood Youth Scholarship Program was first started in 2007 and recognizes the importance of education to our community. Since its inception, more than 40 youth scholarships have been awarded to West Hollywood students. Organized by the city of West Hollywood, funds for the Youth Scholarship Program come entirely from individual and community donations. Each year, the city encourages donations from community members, organizations and area businesses.

For information, contact Dee Saunders in the city of West Hollywood’s social services division at dsaunders@weho.org or by calling (323)848-6510. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323)848-6496.