IDTC CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Ipswich Democratic Town Committee is dedicated to promoting civic engagement with future town leaders.
The annual $1,000 scholarship recognizes Ipswich residents who are high school juniors and have demonstrated a commitment to positive change through civic engagement. By awarding the scholarship to the worthy high school student at the end of their junior year, the scholarship may be used to defray the cost of college applications or similar expenses related to further education after high school.
IDTC Civic Engagement Scholarship FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of this scholarship? A: To recognize high school juniors who are Ipswich residents and have demonstrated a commitment to positive change through civic engagement.
Q: Is the recipient required to be affiliated with the Democratic party? A: No. The award is available to any Ipswich junior student who demonstrates a positive commitment to our community regardless of affiliation.
Q: Will my required high school service hours be counted as part of my civic engagement? A: Yes. The IDTC Scholarship Committee is happy to review service hour activities completed as part of the student’s high school program.
Q: What is the value of the award? A: $1,000
Q: Will a list of scholarship donors be published? A: Yes. The exact outlets are not yet known.
Q: Who is the selection committee? A: Members of the Ipswich Democratic Town Committee.
Q: How many awards will be made? A: One award will be made annually and will be presented at the spring IDTC breakfast.
Q: When will applications be available? A: Applications will be available at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
Q: Are there any restrictions to how the award must be spent? A: No. The hope is that the award will go toward the cost of college applications or similar expenses related to further education after high school.
Q: Is the award required to be put toward expenses related to pursuing a two-, four-year college or university education? A: No. The award is meant to encourage personal growth; spending is at the discretion of the recipient.
Q: Is there a GPA requirement for this award? A: No. The award is intended to honor students who demonstrate a commitment to improving communities through positive engagement regardless of academic achievements.
Q: Is the recipient required to be an Ipswich resident? A: Yes. Note that other local towns have similar scholarship programs.
Q: Must the civic engagement activities be performed in the town of Ipswich? A: No, this is not a requirement however preference may be given to local activities.
Q: Where will the scholarship be awarded? A: The scholarship will be awarded at the annual IDTC breakfast.
IDTC Scholarship Application
Thank you for your interest in the Ipswich Democratic Town Committee (IDTC) Civic Engagement scholarship.
Applicants who are chosen to advance in the selection process will be asked to give a short in-person presentation (slides are fine) followed by an interview. A written essay is not required. Please see IDTC Scholarship FAQ for applicants listed under the application.
Civic engagement is the participation in activities that address public concerns and contribute to the well-being of their communities and democratic society. School leadership roles will also be considered. The winner of the scholarship will be recognized at the annual IDTC breakfast (typically in March). The application deadline for the 2026/2027 academic year is December 15, 2026. Instructions: Please fill out the this form and return to idtcscholarship@gmail.com or mail to IDTC Scholarship Application. C/O J. Laut, 111 High St., Ipswich, MA 01938. Questions may be sent to jolaut15@outlook.com.