Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Association of California Water Agencies
Overview
Each year, ACWA awards a single scholarship through the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship Program to a qualified graduate student. Beginning with the 2019–20 award year, the annual scholarship amount was raised to $10,000.
How to apply
Carefully read the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship Guidelines before beginning the application. Candidates who do not meet the minimum eligibility standards will not be considered. The 2025–26 cycle is open now; all applications must be submitted by March 3, 2025. To begin the process, create an account using the button below and complete the general information section; doing so will unlock the scholarship-specific essay prompts and application pages.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following to be considered:
- Be enrolled (or expected to be enrolled at the start of the academic year) at an accredited public or private college or university in the United States.
- Be pursuing a graduate degree (Master’s, Ph.D., or attending law school) with a focus in water law, water policy, or public administration demonstrating a concentration in water resources.
- Commit to full‑time enrollment for the entire academic year defined as at least 8 semester units or 10 quarter units.
- Provide a minimum of three current letters of recommendation; at least one letter must come from a college professor or a current/former employer.
- Submit official transcripts for every college or university attended (photocopied class schedules or printed course lists are not acceptable).
- Submit an essay addressing the specified prompt, limited to 1,000 words or fewer.
Selection process
Recipients are chosen based on:
- Academic performance and scholastic achievement;
- Demonstrated dedication and motivation toward a career in water-resources-related management;
- The strength and quality of the submitted essay; and
- Confirmation of the commitment to maintain full-time enrollment for the full academic year.
Award disbursement and use
Scholarship funds are paid in a single $10,000 lump sum directly to the recipient’s Financial Aid Office. The funds must be applied to the student’s institutional account for tuition and fees and may not be released to the student for other purposes. Funds are not to be transferred directly to the student or used outside of tuition and fee obligations.