The Democratic Women’s Council of Horry County (DWCHC) annual Scholarship will award up to three college scholarships totaling $3,000 in 2026. Since the inception of the DWC Scholarship in 2007, over $40,000 dollars has been awarded to Horry County public high school students. These annual scholarships recognize outstanding student work that demonstrates an understanding of the issues and values important to a strong democracy built on equality and opportunity for all. 

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Submit application – LINK TO FORM.  The 2026 scholarship includes three questions participants will address in writing with a minimum of 200 words per each question:

1. Describe a political issue facing the U.S. today that is of significant concern to you. Why? 

2. How have your personal political values influenced or informed your stance on this issue?

3. How do you see yourself advocating for this issue in the future? 

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TIPS for success:

• Review past DWC Scholarship recipients [LINK] for examples of winning entries.

• Responses will be judged based on (1) content and narrative, (2) clarity of expression, (3) organization of ideas. 

• Be specific, use concrete examples from your own experiences. 

• Connect your political values to actions or aspirations. Address complex ideas like bipartisanship or cynicism about politics constructively.

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SUBMISSION CRITERIA:

• ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Must be an Horry County SC resident and be scheduled for high school graduation from an Horry County public high school by June 2026.
   

• REQUIREMENTS: Use the official application form below and upload directly to that form. Written submissions should be a minimum of 200 words per each of the three questions and submitted as a PDF. Video introductions should be no more than one minute.
   

• DEADLINE: Entries must be received no later than March 31, 2026.
   

• SUBMIT the following application materials using the official form LINK TO FORM; upload your THREE files where requested using your first and last names in the FILE NAME (see examples):
   

  • Proof of Horry County SC residency, which may include a SC driver’s license, state issued ID or SC voter ID card – LastFirst_ID

  • One-minute video introduction including your name, school and a little about yourself – LastFirst_INTRO

  • Written responses to 3 questions with 200 words minimum per each question via a PDF – LastFirst_ENTRY
     

• Entries will be judged by former scholarship recipients and  Democratic Women's Council of Horry County members based on (1) content and narrative, (2) clarity of expression, (3) organization of ideas.

• The scholarship award will be issued directly to the selected applicants. 

• Applicants agree to allow the publication of provided photos, video introductions and entries via social media, print and electronic media at the discretion of the DWCHC. 

• Selected applicants agree to provide updates of their college success to the DWCHC upon request.

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