Scholarships, Fellowships,
and Grants
The Colorado Water Center works to connect students and researchers with water-related scholarship, fellowship, and grant opportunities in Colorado.
Faculty Fellows Program
The Colorado Water Center Faculty Fellows Program was established to formally recognize Colorado State University faculty whose exemplary research, Extension, and educational contributions advance the university’s interdisciplinary scholarship and engagement in water-related fields.
Faculty at the assistant professor rank, including equivalent non-tenure-track faculty, are eligible for the Early Career CoWC Faculty Fellowship. Faculty at the associate or full professor rank, including equivalent non- tenure-track faculty ranks, are eligible for the Distinguished CoWC Faculty Fellowship.
Candidates may be nominated by another water-related Faculty member or may self-nominate. Documents must be submitted to the CoWC by June 26, 2026.
Read more about CoWC Faculty Fellows Program guidelines, benefits, and how to apply at the following link:
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.
Congrats to the 2026 John Fetcher Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District Scholarship Winners
Christina Welch
Ph.D. candidate in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University
Christina Welch is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University. Her qualitative research aims to advance climate adaptation planning within the food/water nexus. She’s exploring how agricultural communities perceive, respond to, and plan for a myriad of challenges, with particular attention to the interdependence of water availability and agricultural livelihoods. Specifically, her current research includes a needs assessment for Colorado’s Western Slope agricultural producers, and an investigation into the diverse range of adaptive strategies producers employ to manage risk and uncertainty.
Christina’s path to her Ph.D. was shaped by her experience as Outreach and Research Coordinator for CSU’s Agricultural Water Quality Program. She supported the implementation of agricultural Better Management Practices to inform state and farm-level decision-making. Her interdisciplinary background spans project management, GIS mapping, grant writing, and strategic planning. She holds a joint master’s degree in International Water Cooperation and Diplomacy from Oregon State University, IHE-Delft (Netherlands), and Universidad para la Paz (Costa Rica). In her free time, she enjoys trail running, salsa dancing and playing tennis.
Halley Hornberger
Masters candidate in Environmental Management, Western Colorado University
Halley Hornberger is a graduate student at Western Colorado University pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Management with dual emphases in Ecosystem Restoration and Integrative Public Land Management. Her background in river conservation began on the Yampa River, where she was mentored by Pete Van de Carr. His philosophy, “You have to know it to love it, and you have to love it to protect it,” has continued to shape her approach to river stewardship. Halley has since worked as a River Ambassador with Friends of the Yampa and as a whitewater kayak instructor at Mountain Sports Kayak School.
Through both her professional and recreational experiences on the Yampa River and similar western rivers, she became interested in how Colorado water law, watershed science, and water resource management intersect. As the 2026–2027 John Fetcher Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District Scholarship recipient, Halley is excited to continue her studies and contribute to the long-term protection of Colorado’s water resources.
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
For the 2026-27 CSU Grant Projects cycle, the Colorado Water Center supported projects 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.
Featured Programs and Opportunities
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Colorado Water Center CSU Grant Program
Funding water research, extension, and education projects through our land-grant mission
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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 |
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Please contact us with questions or for more information.