Raftelis Leadership Scholarship
Offered by American Water Works Association and Raftelis
About this scholarship
The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship is a $5,000 award for a full-time undergraduate or graduate student interested in becoming a problem solver for local governments and municipal utilities. Raftelis and the American Water Works Association welcome students from varied backgrounds and academic paths. No single major is required, although business, finance, environmental studies, communications, public affairs, economics, marketing, environmental public health, and public administration align especially well with the scholarship’s mission. Successful applicants should demonstrate leadership, initiative, curiosity, strong academic achievement, and a genuine interest in public-sector service. The 2027-2028 AwardSpring application closes November 6, 2026. Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico; AWWA membership is not required. Because the program is merit based, GPA and the broader academic record are considered. Any required recommendation must be received before the deadline from an academic or professional reference, not a family member or personal friend. The award is sent directly to the student’s school and can pay tuition, books, lab fees, lab equipment, or conference registration, but cannot support rent, a stipend, or per diem costs. Incomplete or late applications are not reviewed, so applicants should verify the matched Raftelis opportunity and every supporting item in AwardSpring before submission.
Eligibility
- Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
- Show interest in problem solving for local governments or municipal utilities
- Demonstrate leadership ability, initiative, curiosity, and strong academic achievement
- Be a permanent resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Submit the academic record and merit-based materials requested in AwardSpring
- Arrange for required academic or professional recommendations to arrive before the deadline
- Complete the matched Raftelis Leadership Scholarship application by November 6, 2026