Federal Water Quality Association Scholaerships

Scholarship Sponsored by Federal Water Quality Association

Federal Water Quality Association — National Capital Environmental Scholarship Program

Overview
The Federal Water Quality Association (FWQA) has a long history of supporting students who intend to pursue careers in wastewater, water quality, and related environmental fields. Historically, FWQA has awarded at least three annual scholarships of $2,000 each (dependent on sponsor contributions). For 2026, FWQA plans to award four scholarships of $2,000 apiece to encourage study leading to a bachelor’s degree in relevant sciences or engineering (funding subject to sponsor contributions).

Who may apply
- Graduating high school seniors from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding counties.
- Applicants must be planning careers in environmental protection and must be accepted to a four‑year bachelor’s degree program at an accredited institution before receiving an award.
- Preferred and acceptable fields of study include: environmental sciences, environmental engineering, civil engineering, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, and natural resource planning. Other environment-related majors will also be considered.

How applications are evaluated
A panel of water professionals will review submissions. Selection will be based on academic performance and, most importantly, the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to environmental protection. The evaluation emphasizes:
- The essay’s reflection of environmentally related coursework, service, or leadership;
- Strength of science course work;
- Relevance of the chosen college program to environmental work;
- Overall presentation and sincerity of commitment.

Required application materials
All applications must include the following:
1. High school transcript
2. SAT or ACT scores
3. At least one reference letter (preferably from a science teacher or an environmental professional)
4. A list or brief description of extracurricular activities
5. A copy of the letter of acceptance from a four‑year college or university
6. An essay (one page preferred) addressing ONE of the following prompts:
a. Describe how your actions have promoted environmental protection or awareness.
b. Explain why you want a career in environmental protection/pollution control, what influenced your decision, and what you aim to achieve.
c. Discuss how your extracurricular choices, elective classes, and non‑science coursework will support your career goals.

Deadlines and notification
- Completed applications must be received by Monday, April 13, 2026. No exceptions.
- Scholarship recipients will be informed in early May 2026.

Named scholarships
- Richard Barber Scholarship: Established in memory of Richard (Rich) Barber, FWQA president in 1992–1993 and a driving force behind FWQA’s first student chapter at Howard University. Mr. Barber earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Temple University and an M.S. in Environmental Science from Rutgers University. He served 17 years as an environmental engineer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This scholarship honors his service to EPA and FWQA. Mr. Barber passed away in 1996 after a two‑year battle with cancer.

- Gordon McCallum Scholarship: Named for Dr. Gordon McCallum, who served 26 years in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and retired in 1965 with the rank of Assistant Surgeon General. Dr. McCallum was administrator of the Federal Water Pollution Control Program from 1955 to 1965, a former FWQA president, and a member of the Water Environment Federation board. This award commemorates his contributions to water protection.

- Harvey Olem Scholarship: Created in memory of Dr. Harvey Olem, a well‑regarded environmental engineer who disappeared in May 1994 while on a World Bank assignment in Bolivia. Dr. Olem began his career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, served as a project manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, founded Olem Associates and the Center for Watershed Protection, and was an active FWQA member, author, and consultant. This scholarship honors his legacy.

Contact or submission instructions
(Include FWQA contact or submission instructions here if available.)

Questions about eligibility or the application process should be directed to the FWQA scholarship committee.