Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship

Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship

Program Type: Student scholarship for community service

Overview:
The Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship program celebrates and recognizes Pierce County high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering and giving back to their community through service.

Award Details

• Award Amount: $2,500 - $5,000 per recipient (amounts have varied; 2025 awards were $5,000 each)
• Number of Awards: Approximately 11-14 scholarships awarded annually
• Use of Funds: To help pay tuition at colleges and universities

Eligibility

• Geographic Scope: Pierce County, Washington high school seniors
• Selection Criteria:
- Leadership - Impact in the community - Service commitment - Demonstrated commitment to service beyond high school - Strong track record of volunteer hours

Program History

The scholarship was established in 2000 by local leader Willie Stewart and the late Karl Anderson. Stewart and Anderson had funds leftover from Stewart's 1999 Tacoma School Board campaign and decided to create a scholarship program for young volunteers. United Way of Pierce County has administered the program for all 25+ years of its existence.

Background

As Stewart states: "The future of this nation is going to be based on volunteerism. We need more people born with heart and compassion. The only way we're going to get out of the situation we're in is with love and respect and getting involved. Community service is the first step."

Contact: volunteer@uwpc.org