Brown and Caldwell Dave Caldwell Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Brown and Caldwell Dave Caldwell Scholarship is a $5,000 competitive award for an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student with a demonstrated interest in the water industry. Created in recognition of Brown and Caldwell co-founder Dave Caldwell, the scholarship highlights work such as safeguarding water, maintaining infrastructure, and restoring habitats so communities can thrive. The American Water Works Association administers the award through its Water Equation program, whose 2027-2028 application is open until November 6, 2026. Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico; AWWA membership is not required. The matched AwardSpring application should connect the student’s academic preparation, research, experience, or career plans to drinking water, wastewater, infrastructure, habitat restoration, or another clear water-sector need. AWWA scholarships are merit based, and GPA is part of review. Any required recommendation must arrive before the deadline and should come from a faculty member, dean, or professional who knows the applicant’s academic work, rather than a family member or personal friend. The $5,000 is paid directly to the school and may support tuition, books, lab fees, lab equipment, or conference registration. It cannot pay rent, a living stipend, or per diem expenses. Incomplete and late applications do not advance to committee review.

Eligibility

• Be an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student
• Demonstrate an interest in the water industry, including relevant infrastructure, treatment, or habitat work
• Be a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• Submit the academic record and merit-based materials requested in AwardSpring
• Arrange for all required academic or professional recommendations to arrive before the deadline
• Complete the matched Dave Caldwell Scholarship application by November 6, 2026