AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships
Offered by American Water Works Association Water Equation
About this scholarship
The AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships support two graduate students preparing for science or engineering careers connected to water. The program provides $5,000 to a master’s student and $7,000 to a doctoral student. Created in memory of Dr. Thurston E. Larson, the awards are intended for high-achieving researchers whose academic work advances aquatic science, water quality, treatment, infrastructure, or a closely related engineering discipline. Applicants submit through the American Water Works Association Water Equation portal for the 2027–2028 academic year. They do not need to be AWWA members, but they must be permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. A strong application should connect the proposed graduate work to the water sector, document academic merit, and include recommendations from faculty, deans, or professionals who know the applicant’s academic work. Research proposals are limited to five pages, and recommenders must upload their letters by the deadline. AWWA pays scholarship funds directly to the school; eligible uses may include tuition, books, laboratory costs, equipment, and conference registration. The current application closes November 6, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be enrolled in or entering a qualifying master’s or doctoral program
- Prepare for a science or engineering career related to aquatic or water research
- Be a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Demonstrate academic merit through the record supplied in the application portal
- Explain how the proposed graduate work contributes to the water field
- Limit the research proposal to five pages when a proposal is requested
- Secure academic or professional recommendations before the portal deadline
- Submit the complete application by November 6, 2026