Scholarships for Emerging Professionals
These scholarships are intended to support the professional development of young and early career professionals in the onsite wastewater sector. Two outstanding candidates will be selected based on their career aspirations and commitment to the onsite sector.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be enrolled at least part time in a trade school, university, or college in 2026.
Applicants must be pursuing a degree or certification in a topic related to wastewater treatment and/or environmental policy and management. Academic programs that are applicable include:
● Civil engineering
● Environmental engineering
● Agricultural engineering
● Water resource management
● Environmental policy
● Environmental science
● Agricultural sciences
● Environmental health
● Public health and policy
● Plumbing or construction schools
● Related Fields
Applicants must be younger than 35 years old or fewer than 5 years of experience in the onsite wastewater field.
Applicants must submit a completed application using the GoogleForm including demographic information, written criteria, proof of enrollment (i.e. academic transcript, letter of enrollment, etc.), and a resume (2 page maximum).
NOWRA or state affiliate membership is encouraged but not required.
Scholarship Deadlines and Timeline:
Scholarship applications will be accepted through the GoogleForm until 11:59 PM Eastern time on May 31st, 2026.
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Onsite Wastewater Mega Conference on October 25-28, 2026 in Westminster, CO. In person attendance at the conference is highly encouraged but not required.
Click here to download a copy of these guidelines.
Questions about eligibility or the scholarship? Email us!
If you are unable to access the GoogleForm, please email NOWRA.
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Emerging Professionals Scholarship winners:
Previous Years Emerging Professionals Scholarship winners:
2024 Scholarship winners:
Rebecca Etter, EIT
PhD Student, Civil Engineering
Auburn University
Lorraine Lowrey
MS Student, Civil Engineering
Ohio University
2023 Scholarship winners:
Hsiang Yang (Gary) Shyu
PhD Candidate, Environmental Engineering
University of South Florida
Caleb Suchecki
M.S. Student, Bio. & Agri. Engineering
Texas A&M University