ACWA Scholarships

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)began its scholarship program in 1961 to ensure that motivated and committed students join in the effort to ensure California’s water quality, and to implement sound water management policies.

This year, ACWA continues its academic scholarship program by offering a graduate-level scholarship, the ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship. Please review the following guidelines thoroughly before completing the scholarship application. Applicants who do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements will not be considered.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY BY MARCH 1 OF EACH YEAR.

Each year ACWA awards one, $5,000 scholarship to a qualified graduate student.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be attending an accredited, public or private U.S. college, at the start of the academic year covered by the scholarship;
• Applicants must be pursuing a graduate degree (Masters, PhD, or Law School) in water law and policy or public administration with a demonstrated concentration in the field of water resources;
• Applicants who are enrolled either part-time or full-time for the entire academic year are eligible. This will vary by school but usually equates to 5-10 units for part-time enrollment and 12-25 units for full-time enrollment;
• Applicants must submit two current letters of recommendation (but no more than three), with at least one of the letters originating from a college professor or employer;
• Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college they have attending; sealed transcripts are not required but printed class schedules will not be accepted; and
• Applicants must submit an essay responding to a specific prompt (no more than 1,000 words).

CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SELECTION

• Scholastic achievement;
• Demonstrated motivation to the vocation of water resources-related management; and
• The quality of the student’s essay.

PURPOSE AND DISBURSEMENT OF SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship funds are not disbursed to the student directly. Funds are disbursed to the appropriate Financial Aid Office in a lump sum of $5,000 and must be applied to the student’s account for tuition and fees. Scholarship funds should not be transferred directly to the student or be used for any other purpose. 

If a scholarship recipient fails to meet the terms of this scholarship in any way, the award may be rescinded.