Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award Applications now open

Applications Open for 2026 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award

Scholarship Recognizes Young Leaders Committed to Integrity, Service, and Civic Engagement

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service has announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award, a $2,000 scholarship recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to serving others.

The award is open to students enrolled in a college, technical college, or university, between the ages of 18 and 25, who live in or attend school within the district represented by former Congressman Obey (see below for eligible counties).

Established in honor of former Wisconsin Congressman David R. Obey, who represented central and northern Wisconsin from 1969 to 2011, this annual award continues his legacy of public service. The selection committee seeks applicants who not only exemplify integrity and leadership but also actively engage with their communities to foster positive change.

To be considered, the applicant must:

  • Be a college, technical college, or university student, aged 18 to 25, either residing in or attending an educational institution within one of the following Wisconsin counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas, Washburn, Wood.
  • Must already have earned a high school diploma.
  • Be enrolled in an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree program during the 2025-2026 academic year, earning at least six credits each semester of the year.
  • Submit an essay of no more than 500 words explaining why they deserve this scholarship.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from an adult (a non-family member).
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Transcripts should NOT be submitted with the application. The selected applicant will be asked to submit a school transcript which includes information on coursework during the 2025-2026 academic year.

*Employees, interns, board members, or fellows of WIPPS and their family members are not eligible for this award.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Apply online by clicking here.

Visit wipps.org for more information or email us at info@wipps.org.