Scholarships, Fellowships,
and Grants
The Colorado Water Center works to connect students and researchers with water-related scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities in Colorado.
John Fetcher Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District scholarship
The Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District provides two $5,000 one-year water scholarships for full-time university student(s) who are pursuing a water-related career in any major at a public university within the state of Colorado. The Colorado Water Center administers the scholarship.
Featured Programs and Opportunities
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA John Fetcher Upper Yampa WCD scholarship
2025-26 John Fetcher Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District Scholarship Application
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Water-related funding opportunities
Learn about water-related funding opportunities for research, education, and outreach
Annual and recurring scholarship opportunities
| Organization | Scholarship Name | Description | Application Opening | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Weather Modification Council | North American Weather Modification Council Scholarship | For students interested in the field of weather modification and studying science or engineering at an accredited institution. | Check website for details | February 29 |
| Lincoln Institute of Land Policy | Babbitt Center Dissertation Fellowship Program | The Lincoln Institute’s Babbitt Center Dissertation Fellowship Program assists PhD students at U.S. universities whose research builds on, and contributes to, the integration of land and water policy to advance water sustainability and resilience, particularly in the West. The program provides support to scholars early in their careers. | Check website for details | March 1 |
| CSU Office of the Vice President for Research | VPR Graduate Fellows Program | The Vice President for Research (VPR) Graduate Fellows Program at CSU supports excellence in graduate student research and promotes interdisciplinary work. VPR Graduate Fellows receive research funding, professional development, networking opportunities, and travel funding aimed at preparing them to become thought leaders. | January 30 | March 3 |
| CSU Office of Scholarship and Fellowship Advising | Astronaut Scholarship | The Astronaut Scholarship is a prestigious nationally competitive award given to rising juniors and seniors in the STEM fields (those with graduate dates between spring 2026 and spring 2027) who have excelled academically (3.8 GPA or higher) and demonstrated potential as researchers. Recipients of this award receive up to $15,000 for educational expenses. | January 28 | March 3 |
| CSU School of Global Environmental Sustainability | Diana Wall Sustainability Leadership Fellows Program | An innovative training for early career scientists to effectively communicate science to the media and public, professional development skills and techniques, and strategies to build meaningful careers that incorporate engagement and interdisciplinarity. The competitive program accepts 20 advanced PhD students and postdoctoral scholars each year from across campus interested in communicating their sustainability-related research. | Check website for details | March 10 |
| NoCo Foundation | Multiple Scholarship Opportunities Available | Scholarships cover a diverse range of fields and disciplines, supporting a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations. Our scholarship recipients excel academically and actively contribute to their communities, leaving a lasting impact on society. This program serves as a testament to our donors’ dedication to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all, thanks to their continued support and belief in the power of education. | January 28 | March 16 |
| Water Environment Federation | 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. | January 15 | March 31 |
| Colorado Groundwater Association | Harlan Erker Memorial Scholarship | The scholarship is open to graduate students and senior undergraduates currently attending an accredited college or university in Colorado. The winning applicant(s) are required to present their research at a future CGWA monthly meeting and may be invited to present at the annual symposium. | Check website for details | April 1 |
| Colorado Water Conservation Board | Diane Hoppe Memorial Scholarship | A $2,000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student interested in western water issues planning to attend a trade school, technical school, community college, or a four-year accredited college in Colorado. Also eligible are students who are currently in their freshmen year (or first year) of trade school, technical school, community college, or a four-year accredited college in Colorado. | Check website for details | April 1 |
| Soil and Water Conservation Society | Multiple Scholarship Opportunities Available | Three scholarships available to all SWCS members, with more opportunities through individual SWCS chapters, providing financial aid and assistance for professional development, academic study, and conservation research. | Check website for details | April 14 |
| American Ground Water Trust | Multiple Scholarship Opportunities Available | Scholarships available for entry level college students intending to pursue a career in the field of groundwater. | Check website for details | April 30 |
Colorado Water Center CSU grant program
Funding water research, extension, and education projects through our land-grant mission.
Converging social, political, and cultural changes gave rise to the creation of land-grant institutions. CSU’s land-grant mission provides the framework to advance our ability to address myriad water issues impacting the quality of life in Colorado, the U.S., and the world.
The purpose of this grant program is to invest in transdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that ultimately lead to a more holistic understanding of water resource issues, and to integrate translation of this understanding into the water resource profession, as well as educate the future water workforce.
Priority funding areas
The CoWC seeks to support 2025-26 CSU Grant Projects that advance knowledge and lead to actionable science in the following priority areas:
- Sustainable water management that benefits agricultural, municipal, and environmental uses
- Improved water quality and access in rural and urban environments
Eligibility and award details
Must be current CSU faculty members, research scientists, research associates or other staff working in water resources. The maximum funding for this grant is $25,000. Up to three projects will be funded subject to funding availability.
Need help?
Please contact us with questions or for more information.