Hazen and Sawyer Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Hazen and Sawyer Scholarship awards $10,000 to a graduate-level student committed to leading the water industry by advancing solutions in drinking water, water reuse, or water resources. Hazen and Sawyer sponsors the scholarship through the American Water Works Association Water Equation program, emphasizing innovation, creativity, quality, protection of human health, and practical responses to urgent water challenges. The current 2027-2028 competition closes November 6, 2026. Applicants need not be AWWA members, but they must be permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico. A strong matched application should show how the student’s graduate work addresses one or more of the stated focus areas and supports future leadership in the water sector. AWWA evaluates academic scholarships on merit and considers GPA. Required recommendations must be received before the portal closes; appropriate recommenders include faculty members, deans, and professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic career, while family and friend references are not recognized. Funds are paid directly to the recipient’s institution and may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, lab equipment, or conference registration. They cannot fund rent, a stipend, or per diem expenses. Applicants should create or use an AWWA account, complete the AwardSpring match, and confirm that every component is submitted because incomplete and late applications are not reviewed.

Eligibility

• Be a graduate-level student
• Advance solutions in drinking water, water reuse, or water resources
• Demonstrate commitment to leading the water industry
• Be a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
• Submit the academic record and merit-based materials requested in AwardSpring
• Ensure required academic or professional recommendations arrive before the deadline
• Complete the matched Hazen and Sawyer Scholarship application by November 6, 2026