VLWA Leo Bourassa Scholarship
Offered by Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association
About this scholarship
The Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association Leo Bourassa Scholarship supports Virginia college students preparing for work in water resources. VLWA typically makes multiple awards each year, ranging from $500 to $3,000, and sends each check directly to the recipient’s current college or university for tuition or fees. Applicants must be Virginia residents and students in good standing at an accredited Virginia institution. Undergraduates must attend full time and have completed, or be on track to complete by the award date, at least two semesters; graduate students may attend full or part time. Eligible programs include biology, conservation, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, limnology, stormwater management, water quality, wildlife studies, and other curricula demonstrably related to water resources. The online application asks about relevant paid and volunteer experience, professional organizations and activities, academic preparation, educational plans, career objectives, and the applicant’s case for receiving the award. Applicants upload a current official or unofficial transcript and arrange at least two non-family recommendations. The form and letters are due April 1 annually. Selection considers academic performance, contributions to water resources, and related extracurricular activity; prior recipients may reapply if they remain eligible.
Eligibility
- Be a Virginia resident at both the application and award dates
- Be in good standing at an accredited college or university located in Virginia
- Have completed or be scheduled to complete at least two undergraduate semesters by the award date
- Be a full-time undergraduate, full-time graduate student, or part-time graduate student
- Study water resources or a related biological, environmental, earth-science, engineering, conservation, or wildlife field
- Upload a current official or unofficial college transcript
- Arrange at least two non-family recommendation letters
- Submit all required application responses and materials by April 1, 2027