IWSH Essay Scholarship Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by The IAPMO Group
2026 Essay Topic
Why should the government and private sector join forces to expand access to safe sanitation services?
Introduction / Purpose
This contest seeks essays that explain the importance of partnerships between public authorities and private industry in expanding safe sanitation and clean drinking water. Your writing should introduce readers—particularly those unfamiliar with the field—to the vital role the plumbing sector plays every day and to the global influence of IWSH projects.
Who may enter (Eligibility)
You are eligible if you are one of the following:
- A current high school senior; or
- A full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours) at an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, or enrolled in an apprenticeship program; or
- An undergraduate student at an accredited four-year college or university.
International students may participate. All entrants must include appropriate school documentation (see Submission Checklist).
Theme and focus
Governments set policy and build public infrastructure, while private companies often supply technology, funding, and innovation. Your essay should examine how combining these strengths can achieve real improvements in access to safe sanitation and water. Possible angles to address include:
- How government–private collaborations can tackle obstacles like limited budgets or aging systems.
- Case studies of successful partnerships that enhanced water and sanitation access for communities.
- Fresh strategies for collaboration to protect these essential human rights.
- How such alliances can strengthen community resilience through better water and sanitation infrastructure.
Keep in mind that professionally installed plumbing is a cornerstone of preventing waterborne disease and protecting public health. Use your essay to show how cooperation between governments and private industry can extend these lifesaving services.
Rules and submission requirements
- Deadline: Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on April 30, 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
- One essay per student.
- Essays must be original, written on the topic above, and authored solely by the entrant. Submissions may be screened with plagiarism detection and/or AI-detection tools; detection of plagiarism or AI generation may result in disqualification.
- Word count: 800–1,600 words. The cover page, footnotes, citations, and bibliography do not count toward the word limit.
- Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Arial or Times New Roman, with one-inch margins on all sides.
- Citation style: Follow MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th edition for in-text citations, works-cited list formatting, margins/indentation, and bibliography. Each entry must cite at least three sources.
- File type: Essays must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx). Submissions in other file formats will not be considered.
- Include a completed Personal Information Form with your entry.
- Any submission missing required elements will be disqualified.
Submission checklist (documents to include)
- Essay in .doc or .docx format
- Completed Personal Information Form
- Proof of student status: a copy of your current full-time schedule, school transcripts, or an acceptance letter
- A recent photograph (for publication purposes only, if you are selected)
- A letter of support on official school letterhead from a teacher, counselor, or other school representative—or sent from an official school email address
How to submit
Please upload your complete entry through the IWSH website: https://iwsh.org/iwsh-world-plumbing-day-essay-contest.
(Other mentions of the online submission location appear here: https://iwsh.org/iwsh-world-plumbing-day-essaycontest.)
Judging, ownership and publicity
The Sandra Imprescia Essay Scholarship Committee will review submitted essays and identify top entries. The IWSH Board of Directors will select and announce the winners by Fall 2026. By entering, students grant IWSH and its partners (including media organizations) the right to use their names, photos, statements, quotes, and submitted writing—whole or in part—for advertising, publicity, and promotional activities without additional notification or compensation. IWSH may reproduce, publish, distribute, display, or exhibit submitted materials on its website, in IAPMO’s quarterly magazine, at conferences, on social media, and in other venues. All submissions become the property of IWSH. Winning essays will be posted on the IWSH website (https://iwsh.org/) and published in the Official Magazine (https://eofficial.org/).
Prizes
The top essays will receive cash awards and publication opportunities. Awards are as follows:
First Place (one winner)
- $2,000
- Publication of the essay in the Official Magazine and on the IWSH website
- One-year IAPMO student membership
Second Place (three winners)
- $1,000 each
- Publication of the essay in the Official Magazine and on the IWSH website
Contact and important notice
All required materials must accompany your essay. Missing documentation or incomplete submissions will be disqualified. If you have questions about eligibility, formatting, or submission, consult the IWSH website listed above before submitting.