Dam Safety Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Association of State Dam Safety Officials

Overview
The ASDSO Dam Safety Scholarship, created in 1992, supports the development of technically skilled professionals needed for dam safety. Each year ASDSO awards at least one undergraduate scholarship to students who intend to pursue careers in hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, or other fields connected to the design, construction, and operation of dams. ASDSO is accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Undergraduate Scholarship Program.

Program history and impact
The Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) was formed in 1984 with the following objectives:
- Provide a forum for sharing experience and ideas on dam safety issues.
- Encourage interstate and intergovernmental cooperation on dam safety.
- Supply information and support to state dam safety programs and ASDSO members.
- Represent state interests before Congress and federal agencies involved in dam safety.
- Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state dam safety programs.

Recognizing the need for well-trained technical personnel to meet these goals, ASDSO launched the Dam Safety Scholarship Program in 1992. As of 2025, the program has awarded more than 50 scholarships totaling over $280,000.

Award amount and additional support
At least one scholarship will be granted for the 2026 cycle, with up to $20,000 in scholarship funding available. In addition to the scholarship, recipients may be eligible for a travel stipend to attend the ASDSO Annual Conference.

Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited civil engineering program or a related field (as determined by ASDSO).
- Must be a junior or senior during the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Must demonstrate an interest in careers related to hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, or other disciplines involved with dam design, construction, or operation.
- Students who expect to graduate in May or December of 2026 or May or December of 2027 are eligible to apply for the 2026 scholarship.

Minimum academic and application requirements
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the first two years of college for juniors, or for the first three years for seniors.
- A recommendation from the applicant’s academic advisor.
- A typed essay addressing the following prompt: Describe your experience and interest in engineering. Where do you see yourself after graduation?

How recipients are selected
Selections are based on multiple factors, generally including:
- Academic record and scholarship
- Relevant work experience and extracurricular activities
- Quality of the essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated financial need

If you need the full application instructions or deadlines for the 2026–2027 cycle, let me know and I’ll provide them.