ACWA Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Association of California Water Agencies
Please read the ACWA Scholarship Guidelines in full before beginning your application. Candidates who do not satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria will be excluded from consideration. The 2025–26 scholarship cycle is now accepting submissions; the application deadline is March 1, 2025. To begin, click the Create Account button below, complete the general information, and then proceed to the specific scholarship essay prompts and application sections.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a California resident at the time the application is submitted.
- Must be enrolled at an accredited University of California or California State University at the start of the academic year covered by the award.
- Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related discipline (for example: engineering, agricultural or urban water supply, environmental studies, or public administration) at the start of the academic year covered by the scholarship.
- Must be at least a junior during the academic year covered by the scholarship.
- Must be prepared to register for and maintain full-time status (minimum 12 semester units or 16 quarter units) for the entire academic year covered by the scholarship.
Application Materials and Documentation
- Letters of recommendation: Submit a minimum of two and no more than three current letters. At least one recommendation must come from a college professor or an employer and must be on business letterhead. All recommendation letters must include the writer’s contact information.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts for every college you have attended. Acceptable formats include photocopied or scanned official transcripts or unofficial transcripts issued by the institution. Printed class schedules will not be accepted.
- Essay: Upload an original essay addressing the provided prompt; the essay must not exceed 1,000 words.
Selection Criteria
Scholarship awards will be determined by evaluation of:
- Academic performance;
- Demonstrated commitment and motivation for work in water-resources management;
- The quality and clarity of the applicant’s essay; and
- The applicant’s commitment to full-time enrollment for the full academic year.
Award Terms and Disbursement
- The scholarship is paid as a single $3,500 payment directly to the recipient’s Financial Aid Office. The funds must be applied to the student’s account for tuition and fees and are not to be distributed directly to the student or used for other purposes.
- Failure to comply with the scholarship’s terms and conditions may result in revocation of the award.
If you have questions about eligibility or required materials, review the Guidelines completely before applying. Applications that omit required items or fail to meet the eligibility standards will not be considered.