Stormwater Scholar

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
EligibilityTo 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 RequirementsTo 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 AwardeesIf 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.

How to Submit an ApplicationApplications 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
  • 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
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Student Research Scholarships

NorCal SETAC Research Scholarship Awards are awarded to graduate and undergraduate students studying in the environmental sciences, with a special focus on the fields of environmental toxicology and chemistry. Successful applicants must demonstrate their potential to carry out research projects related to the goals of NorCal SETAC. The recipient(s) will receive $1,000 (undergraduates) or $2,000 (graduates) for their research project. Scholarships can be used for a new project or to supplement an existing project where additional funds are needed. Funds can also be used for travel to present research findings at a scientific meeting. Priority will be given to research projects over travel. Awardees are expected to present their research at next year's NorCal SETAC annual meeting. 
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Period Opens
Closed
Application Deadline
April 6th 2026
Letter of Recommendation Deadline
April 6th 2026
Notification Date
TBD
Accept/Decline Offer Deadline
TBD
GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
​Eligibility
An applicant must:
  • Be a registered undergraduate or graduate student working in the environmental sciences.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.00.
  • Submit a NorCal SETAC Research Scholarship Proposal following the Proposal Preparation guidelines.
​Application Components and Requirements
A complete application package must include:
  • Application Form
  • Research Proposal
  • Research Budget Form
  • Recommendation Form (sent by faculty sponsor; you are responsible for arranging that the form is received by the deadline)
Research Proposal
Proposals should be 3-4 pages in length, using double-spaced text. The cover page (application form), budget page, and list of references are not included in this page limitation. Minimum type or font size must be 12. Write your proposal concisely for review by the NorCal SETAC staff.

The proposal should include the following sections:
  1. Title of Proposal
  2. Background and Rationale: Why is this project needed? What is new about it?
  3. Hypothesis and Specific Objectives: What are the specific objectives to be addressed? If your study is part of a larger project, clearly indicate the general objective(s) of the larger project and what your proposed work adds to the overall project.
  4. Procedures: How will the research be carried out? How long will it take; what is the time frame?
  5. Qualifications: What are your personal qualifications to do the research?
  6. List of References Cited in the Text
Proposal Submission
Submit one electronic copy of the complete application package (in pdf format) and arrange for the faculty sponsors to send one electronic copy (in pdf format) of the completed recommendation form to [email protected].
​Faculty Recommendation
The applicant must conduct the proposed research under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. Faculty sponsors will send one electronic copy (in pdf format) of the completed recommendation form to [email protected].
​Congratulations to our 2025 winners!
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