YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SCHOLARSHIPS
2026 New Hampshire Water Works Association YP Operator Certification Award
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 scholarship! Find the Operator Certification Award Application HERE!
The New Hampshire Water Works Association Young Professionals Committee intends to award an Operator Certification Award on an annual basis to a student entering or working in the public drinking water sector as a NH-certified Operator. Students must graduate with a high school degree or GED by June 2026 with the stated intention of working in the NH public drinking water community.
NHWWA YP Operator Certification Award – $2,000 value in NHWWA-sponsored educational classes, training and industry networking events, and conferences, including textbooks and manuals required for the offered classes. Examples of classes include Drinking Water System Operator Basics, Grade 1A Small System Water Operators, Basic Water Works Math; and Exam Prep Course (Training Schedule & Registration). The award term is two (2) years to balance academic requirements and NHWWA training opportunities. Award recipients will also receive a free, two (2) year membership with NHWWA. The awardee shall contact studentoutreach@nhwwa.org to make purchases through NHWWA for books, registrations, etc., and with any questions regarding this scholarship.
Submit the Operator Certification Award Application with your resume, a 250-word essay describing your interest and need for the scholarship, and a letter of recommendation from an employer or teacher to studentoutreach@nhwwa.org before the deadline!
The 2025 Operator Certification Award Winner has been selected!
Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 NHWWA YP Operator Certification Award — Eliza Balch!
Eliza, a New Hampshire native, has a background in Natural Sciences and Education and earned her M.Sc. in Soil and Water Resource Management from the University of New Hampshire. During her graduate studies, she researched nitrogen processes in surface water for her thesis and enjoyed sharing her findings with stakeholders and local government.
With this award, Eliza plans to earn her Level 1 and 2 Operator licenses and continue serving the public by providing safe and reliable access to drinking water. She shared, “I’m honored and thrilled to receive this year’s YP Operator’s Certification Award. I’m looking forward to connecting with other professionals in the water treatment field and thank the NHWWA Young Professionals for offering this opportunity.”
When she’s not working toward her professional goals, Eliza enjoys trail running, knitting, and nordic skiing.
We’re proud of Eliza’s dedication to the industry and can’t wait to see all she will accomplish!
Water Managers School Scholarships – NHWWA offers two (2) tuition scholarships for this fantastic mid-level and advancing manager educational opportunity. The Water Managers School is offered every other year, with the next session starting in 2025. Scholarship and class applications are due fall 2024.
To apply for a scholarship, please send an email with the following information, and the words “Water Managers School Application” with your name in the email subject line, to NHWWA Young Professionals yp@nhwwa.org:
- Name and age
- Water System
- Current position
- Where do you want to take your career (500 words max.)
Scholarship applications are due within one week (7 calendar days) from your acceptance to the Water Managers School. Half of the award will be made upon documentation that the candidate has been accepted, and half will be awarded upon documentation that the candidate has successfully completed the program. Click here to learn more about the Water Managers School.
