Scholarships – FAQ
This page aims to address your Frequently Asked Questions.
See below for a range of questions associated with the Scholarships.
Scholarship Questions:
Conference Access Scholarship (Carl Morrison Conference Scholarship) and Watershed Education Scholarship:
Overview
Our Scholarships and Small Grants Program is designed to foster innovation, engage youth, and support key priorities of the NBWA. By promoting collaboration among public agencies, encouraging community engagement, and supporting meaningful projects, we aim to deliver measurable environmental and community benefits.
Total FY 2024/25 Program Funding: $60,000
- Scholarships: $10,000
- Small Grants: $50,000
What is the mission of the Scholarships and Small Grants Program?
The initiative was crafted to actively involve youth, promote career advancement, and support opportune priorities such as water industry workforce development.
What kind of scholarships does the North Bay Watershed Association (NBWA) Award?
- Conference Access Scholarship (Carl Morrison Conference Scholarship)
- Up to $500 per scholarship
- For NBWA-sponsored events, such as registration for a full day at NBWA’s biennial conference, closing reception, and travel
- Watershed Education Scholarship:
- Up to $1,000 per scholarship
- Applicants must reside or work within the NBWA boundary (lands draining to the San Pablo Bay)
- For any educational institution or purpose
How do I qualify for a scholarship?
- Reside or work within the NBWA boundary, which encompasses all lands draining to the San Pablo Bay
- A student is an individual of any age who is actively engaged in learning or educational pursuits. This can include individuals enrolled in formal education programs such as primary, secondary, or higher education institutions, as well as those participating in informal education, professional development, or lifelong learning activities. The student demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, knowledge acquisition, and skill development through various academic, vocational, or self-directed learning experiences.
- Financial need of applicants is part of the selection process. Applicants can detail their financial circumstances, including any hardships or extenuating circumstances like medical expenses or job loss. “Need” will be assessed using methodology that may take into consideration current family income, accumulated assets, family size and number of family members in school. To assist in this review, supporting documentation may be required, including tax return, pay stubs or employment verification, bank statements, and budget breakdown
What deadlines should I mark on my calendar?
- Scholarship availabilities are announced no later than April of each year and awarded as applicable.
- For 2025, May 30 (deadline extended) is the deadline for both scholarships.
How to Apply?
- Conference Access Scholarship
- In a single PDF, send cover letter and application documents to [email protected]. Please include “NBWA CMC Scholarship Application” in the subject line.
- Watershed Education Scholarship
- In a single PDF, send cover letter and application documents to [email protected]. Please include “NBWA WP Scholarship Application” in the subject line.
Completing an application
The Conference Access Scholarship and Watershed Education Scholarship require a cover letter and applicable supporting documentation. The Watershed Education Scholarship has an additional requirement of an essay (not to exceed 500 words) and references. See application for details.
Where can I get free help completing the application?
Email [email protected]
What are the NBWA Award Amounts?
- These scholarship award amounts are subject to change based on NBWA budget availability.
- You may only receive one award at a time.
- Conference Access Scholarship (Carl Morrison Conference Scholarship) will award the cost of the conference. If applying for travel assistance, please include the breakdown of travel costs. NBWA will consider travel costs up to $500.
- Watershed Education Scholarship offers funding of up to $1,000 per educational pursuit. Applicants must provide an explicit breakdown of what the requested funds will cover, including but not limited to tuition, books, transportation, and other educational expenses. The association reserves the right to adjust the awarded amount based on the demonstrated financial need of each applicant.
Next Steps (After the Scholarship Application is Submitted):
When will I know if I’ve received a NBWA Scholarship?
Applicants receive an email confirming receipt of applications immediately after submittal. If you qualify for a scholarship award and your application was received on time and needs no corrections or additional information, you will receive status of your application one month after the close of the application deadline. If you have not heard from NBWA staff, please e-mail [email protected] to check on the status of your application.
I have just been awarded a NBWA scholarship. What are my next steps?
NBWA staff will confirm accurate address and mail check.
When will I receive my NBWA funds?
Checks will arrive within a month of the award announcement.
Checks will be made payable, and mailed directly to, the awardee.
If selected for funding, what are my responsibilities to the NBWA?
If awardee rescinds attendance to the event the award was granted for, never attends, the event is cancelled, or any other event in which the applicant is no longer eligible for the scholarship, funds are to be returned and will be credited back to the Program.
Once the award has been presented, there is no requirement to provide proof of attendance or completion for the purposes of validating the award.
Can I renew my NBWA scholarship?
Receipt of an award does not guarantee future funding and, ordinarily, the Program does not provide funds for more than one year.