Stormwater Scholar
Purpose and Overview
The goal of the CASQA Stormwater Scholar Award is to encourage the next generation of leaders in the stormwater management field. If selected, Stormwater Scholars attend the CASQA Annual Conference to engage with and learn from the top leaders and experts in the stormwater field. This year’s conference will be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, from October 26 – 28, 2026.
During the annual conference, Stormwater Scholars will receive mentoring and networking opportunities by meeting with the CASQA Board of Directors, CASQA staff, CASQA members and other leading stormwater professionals. Stormwater Scholars expand their knowledge through significant educational opportunities by hearing presentations from the leading experts in the stormwater community including local, state, and federal decision makers, stormwater program coordinators, contractors, consultants, engineers, lawyers, scientists, and planners.
Up to three (3) awards are available in 2026. The scholarship awards are valued at $2,500 each and include:
- Complimentary 3-Day Full Conference Pass
- Up to three-night hotel stay;
- $500 travel and meals stipend;
- Mentoring from CASQA Board of Directors, CASQA Program Managers, and/or Executive Director, and/or Assistant Executive Director and other leading stormwater professionals
- Student membership in CASQA for 1 year
Eligibility
To be eligible for this award, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university and be in good standing as defined by their institution, or have graduated within two (2) years prior to application.
- Project: Applicants must have completed a project (or be in progress) related to stormwater management in California (includes areas like water quality, public education, pollution reduction, science, engineering, policy, law, etc.). See CASQA’s Vision for Sustainable Stormwater Management and Strategic Plan for reference of areas applicable to stormwater management. Group projects such as senior design projects and community-based projects are eligible, but applicant must demonstrate a substantial role.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Stormwater Scholar Award, the following must be submitted by the application deadline:
- Statement of Interest from the applicant that describes their background and interest in the Stormwater Scholar Award (1 page max) and describes how their academic background can be applied to stormwater needs. See CASQA’s Vision for Sustainable Stormwater Management for ideas.
- Letter of recommendation from a mentor, supervisor, advisor, teacher, or professor who worked with the student on the project. Letter of recommendation must be from an individual not related to the nominee.
- Video NOT TO EXCEED 2 MINUTES in length where the applicant describes the project (include project goals, approach, results, and conclusions or discussion). We want to hear from you about your project!
- Proof of Enrollment in college or university or degree.
Expectations of Stormwater Scholar Awardees
If selected for an award, Stormwater Scholars must agree to attend the CASQA Annual Conference in Sacramento from October 26 – 28, 2026, and to participate in all award benefits, which may include mentoring opportunities and appearing on stage during the conference plenary session to receive acknowledgment and recognition. Stormwater Scholars must also agree to the use of their name and image in any conference materials or CASQA publication.
The application form requires acknowledging and agreeing to these expectations and requirements.
Program Flyer
Help us spread the word. If you know students or recent graduates who may be interested in stormwater management careers, please share the Stormwater Scholar program flyer with your university departments, student organizations, and colleagues.
How to Submit an Application
Applications must be submitted in accordance with the 2026 Stormwater Scholar Award: Call for Applications and Submittal Instructions.
Applications must be submitted using the Application Submittal Form on this page. Upon submittal, the applicant will receive an email that confirms receipt of the application.
Questions
- Send via email only to: CASQA@casqa.org:
- Subject: Question: 2026 Stormwater Scholar Application
- Content: Include your name, your question, and telephone number
Schedule and Application Deadline
- Stormwater Scholar Application Opens: March 16, 2026
- Applications Due: May 29, 2026
- Decisions Announced: Mid-July 2026
- CASQA Annual Conference: October 26-28, 2026
Application Submittal Form – Open Now!
All applications must be submitted via this form. Applications WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED via email or other means.