The New England Water Works Association’s (NEWWA) mission is to promote public health, safety, quality of life, and environmental stewardship through education/training, advocacy, and outreach relating to safe drinking water. To help accomplish its mission, NEWWA must work to attract people with various backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives.

NEWWA has created a Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship to help provide access to underrepresented individuals who wish to pursue a career in water works and join the community. The Scholarship Committee encourages individuals who are interested in a career in the water profession to apply.

NEWWA is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the water profession. Scholarship opportunities are intended to assist in diversifying this profession, including membership recruitment in tandem with succession planning.

Apex Companies is pleased to sponsor a diversity and inclusion scholarship with NEWWA. Diversity is one of the company’s core values and it is pleased to be able to help foster interest in the water works profession and in turn create a more diverse pool of talent in the water works community.

The committee may award up to $2,000 annually to one or more deserving applicants, which includes a 1-year complimentary membership to NEWWA for each award recipient.

NEWWA reserves the right to not award any or all scholarships for any year in which outstanding candidates are not identified.

Eligibility:

Examples of educational/training programs for which this scholarship may be used include but are not limited to: college tuition, 2-year community college water programs, water operator certification/licensure, professional training programs, books, and manuals. Scholarships may be awarded to students or individuals looking to enter the water works profession, regardless of field of study. Preference will be given to those candidates whose programs of study are related to the water works profession.

Current NEWWA members are INELIGIBLE for this scholarship and are encouraged to apply for other NEWWA scholarships, available on the NEWWA website.

As part of NEWWA’s diversity and inclusion efforts, we are seeking a diverse applicant pool for this scholarship opportunity, inclusive of people who are traditionally underrepresented in the water works profession, which may include individuals of various racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and gender orientations.

An applicant must belong to one of the following categories:

• A student with interest in the water works profession seeking any undergraduate or graduate degree.

• An individual seeking to enter the water works profession.

The NEWWA Scholarship Committee considers applications holistically with specific focus on need and benefit to the applicant and the water works profession.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The following application documents must be submitted together via the online or mailed application:

• Complete application – includes a personal statement, statement of need, and statement on diversity.

• Resume or document summarizing background of activities and experience. (2 pages maximum)

• One letter of recommendation – Professional recommendation from an employer or educator is preferred; personal recommendations will be accepted if professional is unavailable. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

Completed applications, including all required forms and documentation must be submitted online or sent in a single package and RECEIVED by APRIL 1, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Applicants will be notified of awards in July after the Scholarship Committee has reviewed all applications.