On behalf of the AZ Water Association, the Scholarship committee's vision is to provide financial aid for students aspiring to make a difference in Arizona’s water future. AZ Water will do this by awarding scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students at Arizona colleges and universities pursuing studies related to the water / wastewater profession.

This committee is also working to establish a scholarship endowment fund. The ultimate goal is for this fund to produce / award over $10,000 in scholarships per year without requiring additional fundraising. The committee is working on a direct way to process donations and provide tax forms; currently, for interested donors, please email scholarship@azwater.org.

Scholarship Applications for 2024-2025 are open! The application period is from conference to conference. This year's application period is from April 20, 2024 to April 1, 2025. The One AWWA Operator scholarship for 2024-2025 is also open; this application is also due by April 1, 2025. Scroll to the bottom for further details and the downloadable PDF application.

Click Here for Application Form

All applications must be submitted through the posted Jotform. Contact scholarship@azwater.org with any additional questions. 

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Below is some additional information on the application, the application process and some frequently asked questions.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The selection committee consists of members of AZ Water who volunteer to review the submitted applications after verifying there are no conflicts of interest.

CAN I APPLY?

Applicants must be students during the current academic year at an Arizona institution. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement.

The AZ Water annual scholarship judging takes into consideration the experience and interest of the students as well as their academic status (operator, graduate, undergraduate, doctorate etc.) and students will be judged against their peers. To maintain fairness and equal opportunity, applicants categorized by academic level, ensuring that all disciplines and degree of experience are treated equally.

Applications will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated achievement in chosen area of study
• Understanding of a pertinent water issue in Arizona.
• Applicability of personal history and future plans.
• Creativity and writing ability.

NOMINATION PROCESS

To apply for the AZ Water Scholarship, please submit the following:

• A completed online scholarship application (the JOT form hyperlinked below).
• A unique (not previously submitted) two page (or less) written description of your interest in an Arizona-related water issue and how your personal history and planned future relate to that issue. (Space is provided on the application).

AWARD PRESENTATION

AZ Water Scholarship recipients represent the future of Arizona’s water and wastewater systems. They are a bright group of driven individuals who plan to pursue careers related to water. Recipients are recognized during a dinner awards night at the Annual AZ Water Conference and receive recognition from the assembled members. Note: acceptance of scholarship constitutes permission to use recipient’s name and scholarship story for purpose of promotion

FAQ’S

I’m graduating this December, but the award is issued next Spring, can I apply?

Yes; however, the funds will be issued to the school (see below question).

How is the scholarship issued?

Disbursement of the funds will be made directly by AZ Water to the financial office of recipient’s college, university, or technical school. This is for tax purposes.

What can I use the money for since I already have a scholarship from the school?

Items related to books, manuals, laptops, and other educational resources available through the school.

I’m only a freshman, how am I supposed to win a scholarship over a Ph.D. student?

The selection committee only compares Bachelor seeking applicants vs other bachelor seeking applicants, Ph.D. applicants vs other Ph.D. applicants, etc. to keep the  scoring fair. Additionally, for operators seeking scholarships, we strongly suggest applying for the AWWA One Operator scholarship (see link and form further below).

I’m a business student, but the application of my education is water-related… Can I apply?

Yes! It does not have to be a water resources degree. We accept majors outside of science and engineering, but it needs to be something where they want to apply their future in water.

Where does the money come from?

Our money is generated through donations, an annual golf tournament, and other events throughout the year.

When does the selection committee begin scoring?

We stop accepting applications a few weeks before the Annual Conference. Check the event date in the calendar for specifics.

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The One AWWA Operator Scholarship

AWWA's The Water Equation Campaign, in conjuncture with Arizona Water Organization, will award the One AWWA Operator Scholarship for up to $2,500 for Water Operator training and education. Scholarship award can be used for certification/licensure, two-year water related associate degree, technical school program, professional training program, books and manuals, and operator related conferences. Each scholarship recipient will receive a one-year AWWA Operator membership. Additional information is included in the downloadable PDF. Contact scholarship@azwater.org with any additional questions.

Click Here for Application Form