Christina Aguilera may croon about workin‘ at the “Car Wash”… But Mexican singer Shaila Durcal is takin’ it a step further. She’s actually performing at laundromats.

The 32-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter is serenading audiences at lavanderías in Miami and Los Angeles to raise awareness for a college scholarship fund for Latinos.

Durcal’s mariachi-accompanied performances are aimed at highlighting the Hispanic Scholarship Fund‘s Gracias Mama program, which recognizes mothers and their role in their children’s academic success. It’s part of

“I am very happy to be part of this program,” says the Latin Grammy nominated singer of her participation in the “Take a Load Off” events, which are sponsored by Clorox. “because it recognizes all those moms who encourage their children to make education a priority in order to help them succeed in life.”

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is currently accepting applications for the education scholarships, which require a 500-word essay describing the role the applicant’s mom or mother figure has played in their education.

“Since I was a child, I dreamed of being an artist, and my mother always encouraged me to follow my dream,” says the daughter of the late Rocio Durcal, the beloved Spanish singer who has sold 53 million records worldwide. “But [she] also taught me the importance of going to school and getting an education.”

The deadline for applications is January 17, 2012. HSF will select five students to each receive one $12,000 scholarship, as well as a $500 spa day certificate for their mom or mother figure.

Click here for more information on the Gracias Mama scholarship program.

Meanwhile, Durcal’s latest album, “Así,” will be released on November 11.