Ray A Jackson Undergraduate Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Water Works Association Virginia Section

Description
This scholarship is a single annual award intended for an undergraduate student enrolled at a Virginia college or university who plans a career in the water industry. It is administered through the Virginia section of the American Water Works Association (VA AWWA) and is awarded on merit. The program seeks to identify and support promising students who intend to enter the water-sector workforce.

Key takeaways
- **Scope:** One undergraduate award for a student attending school in Virginia.
- **Focus:** Supports students pursuing careers in the water industry.
- **Administrator:** Managed by the Virginia section of the American Water Works Association (VA AWWA).

Purpose of Award
The award’s primary purpose is to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students committed to careers in the water industry. Selection is merit-based, emphasizing academic and extracurricular performance relevant to the field. The scholarship also aims to strengthen the pipeline of qualified professionals for water utilities and related organizations.

Key takeaways
- **Primary goal:** Financial support for students entering the water industry.
- **Selection basis:** Merit-focused evaluation.
- **Workforce intent:** Designed to encourage entry into the water-sector workforce.

Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students and members of the American Water Works Association who will be attending a Virginia college or university during the Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must have a stated career objective of serving in the water industry. Only students who meet both the membership and enrollment criteria are eligible to apply.

Key takeaways
- **Enrollment requirement:** Full-time undergraduate status at a Virginia school for Fall 2026.
- **Membership requirement:** Active membership in AWWA.
- **Career intent:** Must be pursuing a career in the water industry.

Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed "VA AWWA Student Scholarship" application plus supporting documents demonstrating academic and professional qualifications. Required materials include a resume showing academic performance, work or research experience, and extracurricular activities; an unofficial or official current transcript or semester schedule; and a short essay (up to 500 words) on a water-related topic. Extra consideration is given for participation in VA AWWA committee activities and for essays addressing drinking water issues.

Key takeaways
- **Application form:** Completed VA AWWA Student Scholarship application required.
- **Documentation:** Resume and unofficial/official transcript or current semester schedule.
- **Essay:** Up to 500 words on a water topic; drinking-water topics and VA AWWA involvement receive extra consideration.

Award Value
The scholarship awards a single one-time prize of $3,500 to the selected recipient. This is a first-place amount and is not renewable. Funds are intended to offset educational expenses for the award year for the student chosen by the selection committee.

Key takeaways
- **Amount:** $3,500 one-time award.
- **Quantity:** Single award (first place).
- **Use:** Applied toward the recipient’s educational expenses for the award year.

Application Timeline
The applicant must be enrolled for Fall 2026 to be eligible; specific submission deadlines and decision dates are not provided in the materials. Prospective applicants should monitor the VA AWWA website or contact the Virginia section directly for current application windows, deadline details, and any changes to eligibility. Submit all required documents well before posted deadlines to allow for processing and review.

Key takeaways
- **Enrollment point:** Applicant must attend in Fall 2026.
- **Deadlines:** Specific dates not listed—check VA AWWA for current deadlines.
- **Recommendation:** Prepare and submit materials early to ensure timely consideration.

History of the Award
No historical background, founding year, or past recipient list was provided in the supplied information. For details about the award’s origins, selection history, or previous winners, interested parties should request information from the Virginia section of AWWA. The VA AWWA can provide archival context or nominee examples upon request.

Key takeaways
- **Background:** History and past recipients not specified in available materials.
- **Further information:** Contact the Virginia AWWA for historical details and past-winner information.
- **Transparency:** VA AWWA is the source for archival and selection-history records.