The WEF Operator Scholarship provides funding for individuals who are seeking water sector operator education, training, or certification to enter the industry or to advance their knowledge, skills, abilities or license.
Application Requirements and Criteria:
i. Individuals seeking an entry-level operator’s license
ii. Or, an entry or experienced operator seeking professional development in the following areas:
- Municipal and industrial treatment
- Reuse
- Collection and distribution
- Stormwater
iii. Completed online application including a brief essay on your experience and career goals. Applications are open January 15 - March 31 (close at 11:59PM Eastern).
Before you apply, please review these Application Tips to help you put together your strongest application.
Scholarship to Support:
- Education
- Training
Scholarship Amount:
Up to $5,000 dollars
Awardees must submit cost documentation in their application to receive funds. Applicants who have worked in the water sector for more than 12 months must be current WEF Members to be eligible.
Questions?
Operator Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
View the recording from the 2026 Operator Scholarship 101 webcast
Applications open annually on January 15 and close on March 31 (11:59PM ET) for the WEF Operator Scholarship.
View the Operator Scholarship FAQ which includes the application contents.
These Application Tips will help you put together your strongest application.
Why should you apply to the Operator Scholarship?
Listen to the 2025 Words on Water Podcast with past scholarship recipient Marcos Quintero.
