WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Water Environment Federation

Title: Scholarship for Post‑Baccalaureate Students in the Water Environment Field

Description
**Purpose:** This scholarship awards a single post‑baccalaureate student working in the water environment field to support education‑related expenses. **Scope:** It is intended for students pursuing graduate‑level study (or entering their first year) in water‑environment disciplines. The award is administered through the Water Environment Federation and intended to help launch careers in the sector. The recipient selection emphasizes demonstrated academic and practical experience in the environmental field.

Key takeaways:
- Provides targeted support for graduate study in the water environment field.
- Funds are intended for education‑related expenses.
- Administered by the Water Environment Federation (WEF).
- Selection considers both academic and practical experience.

Award Value
**Amount:** The scholarship awards $25,000 to a single recipient. **Use of Funds:** The money is designated for education‑related expenses such as tuition, fees, or other costs associated with graduate study. There is no breakdown provided for allowable expense categories; recipients should plan to apply the funds to direct educational needs and consult WEF if clarification is needed.

Key takeaways:
- Single award of $25,000.
- Funds cover education‑related expenses.
- Recipients should budget the award for graduate education costs.
- Contact WEF for specific allowable expense questions.

Eligibility
**Who may apply:** Eligible applicants are post‑baccalaureate students pursuing graduate study in the water environment field. **Enrollment requirement:** Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program; a formal letter of acceptance is acceptable for those entering their first graduate year. The award is not open to undergraduate applicants or candidates outside water‑environment disciplines.

Key takeaways:
- Must be a post‑baccalaureate student in the water environment field.
- Graduate enrollment required; acceptance letter acceptable for first‑year entrants.
- Not available to undergraduate students or those outside the water environment focus.

Application Requirements and Criteria
**Required materials:** Applicants must complete an online application that includes a summary of academic and practical environmental experience, official college/university transcripts, and a detailed statement of degree objectives (minimum 750 words, maximum 1,000 words). **Letters of reference:** Three letters of recommendation are required; these must be submitted before the application deadline. The application is evaluated on academic background, practical experience, clarity of career objectives, and potential to work in the water environment sector.

Key takeaways:
- Complete the online application with a summary of academic/practical experience.
- Include official transcripts and a 750–1,000 word statement of degree objectives.
- Provide three letters of recommendation submitted by the deadline.
- Evaluation covers academics, experience, and career intent.

Application Process & Timeline
**Submission flow:** Complete the online application and list recommenders’ email addresses; the system will automatically email referees with submission links. **Deadlines and timing:** Letters of recommendation must be received before the application closes — late submissions are not accepted and recommenders cannot submit after the portal closes. Applicants should contact potential recommenders well in advance to ensure timely submission and verify current deadlines on the WEF website.

Key takeaways:
- Application and recommender emails are handled through the online portal.
- Recommender letters must arrive before the application closes; no late uploads.
- Applicants should pre‑notify recommenders and verify deadlines on WEF’s site.
- Check the WEF site for the most current application timeline.

WEF Membership Requirements
**Applicant membership:** The nominee must be a current (not expired) Water Environment Federation (WEF) member to be considered. **Recommender membership:** At least one of the three recommenders must also be a current WEF member. For membership verification or WEF Member ID assistance, contact WEF Customer Service: csc@wef.org | 1‑800‑666‑0206 | 703‑684‑2400 | International: 1‑571‑830‑1545.

Key takeaways:
- Applicant must hold a current WEF membership.
- At least one recommender must be a current WEF member.
- Contact WEF Customer Service for member ID or membership questions.
- Membership is a formal eligibility requirement.

Recipient Obligations and Tax Information
**Post‑award commitment:** Recipients are expected to commit to working in the water environment field for two years following completion of their degree. **Tax and administration:** The recipient is responsible for any taxes owed on the award; the scholarship administrator does not assume tax liabilities. Recipients should plan for the post‑degree work commitment and consult a tax advisor about potential tax implications.

Key takeaways:
- Awardees must commit to two years of work in the water environment field after graduation.
- Recipients are responsible for taxes on the scholarship.
- Plan for employment obligations and consult tax counsel as needed.

History of the Award
**Background and administration:** This scholarship is administered through the Water Environment Federation to encourage graduate study and careers in water and environmental fields. **Public record:** Specific founding date and historical recipient lists are not provided here; for detailed history, archived records, or past awardees, contact WEF directly.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarship is a WEF‑administered program supporting water‑environment careers.
- Detailed historical information is not included here.
- Contact WEF for archival records or past recipient information.

For application deadlines, submission portals, or any clarifications, consult the Water Environment Federation’s official website or contact WEF Customer Service at csc@wef.org.