AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship
Offered by American Water Works Association Water Equation
About this scholarship
The AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship is the American Water Works Association’s premier doctoral award for advanced study and meaningful research in water supply and treatment. The selected fellow receives $30,000 for the first academic year, and a second year of support may be available. The program is open through AWWA Water Equation’s shared 2027–2028 scholarship portal and does not require AWWA membership. Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico and pursue doctoral work that directly advances the water sector. Selection is merit-based and looks for exceptional academic achievement, a rigorous research direction, and the vision, creativity, and professional promise associated with Dr. Abel Wolman’s career. The portal collects the applicant’s academic record and recommendations; research applicants should also prepare a focused proposal, which AWWA limits to five pages. Recommenders must submit their letters before the deadline for the application to be complete. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the student’s school and may support approved educational costs such as tuition, books, laboratory fees, equipment, and conference registration. Applications for the 2027–2028 cycle close November 6, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be pursuing a doctoral degree with advanced training and research in water supply or treatment
- Be a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Present research that demonstrates vision, creativity, excellence, and relevance to the water sector
- Provide the academic information and supporting materials requested in the Water Equation portal
- Submit a research proposal of no more than five pages when requested
- Arrange for qualified academic or professional recommenders to submit letters before the deadline
- Submit a complete application through the AWWA AwardSpring portal
- Apply by November 6, 2026 for 2027–2028 funding