Hawkins Apprenticeship Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The National Rural Water Association is pleased to announce the Hawkins, Inc. Apprenticeship Scholarship in support of the NRWA Apprenticeship Program through our State Rural Water Affiliates (SRWA) and their utility members. Hawkins, Inc. has long been a supporter of our industry, and the NRWA Apprenticeship Program by providing scholarships at the state level. This scholarship, however, specifically supports smaller utility systems that might not be able to participate in apprenticeship without this support. Hawkins, Inc. is sponsoring five (5) $3000 scholarships to be used for costs associated with apprenticeship. These scholarships will be available to utility systems meeting the eligibility requirements on behalf of an existing or future apprentice.

To apply for the Hawkins Apprenticeship Scholarship, please download this form and complete the information and essays, then attach it to the form below. Applications are due December 31, 2023, no exceptions. Applications will be reviewed by the NRWA Scholarship Committee and recipients notified via email.

Official Rules:

1. An eligible utility is a sewer or water system that meets the following requirements:
   a. A member in good standing with their State Rural Water Association (SRWA).
   b. Located in a state with an active Registered Apprenticeship program. Click here to view if your state has a program.
   c. Either has signed a Participating Employer Agreement with the SRWA, or agrees to sign the Participating Employer Agreement, by doing so, agrees to abide by the SRWA Standards of Apprenticeship.
   d. Eligible system serving population of 2500 or less; and/or: USDA- 80% or less of SMHI
2. An eligible system does not have to have an apprentice placed at the time of selection, but agrees to have an identified apprentice within six months of the award.
3. The utility/system is responsible for completing the scholarship application on time.

Eligible Expenses

This scholarship will be made to defray any legitimate training cost related to Apprenticeship, i.e. laptop, tuition, text books, Certification testing costs; specialty equipment, or PPE. The SRWA program coordinator will be responsible for determining if an expense is apprenticeship related.

If you have issues with submitting the form, please contact Kaylyn Snow at 580-252-0629.