2026-2027 Texas Rural Water Foundation Scholarship Application

The Student Scholarship Program, administered by the Texas Rural Water Foundation (TRWF), was established to recognize and assist qualified individuals in their pursuit of a higher education and a potential career in the water and/or wastewater industry. The TRWF Student Scholarship Program is designed to help offset the costs of tuition, fees, books and/or room and board.

The number of annual scholarships awarded, and the amount of each scholarship is based upon the number of qualified applicants and the amount of funds in the TRWF Scholarship Fund for the academic year. For the 2025-2026 award year, $41,500 was awarded through 30 scholarships in varying amounts from $1,000 to $3,000.

Deadline to Apply: February 3, 2026

Scholarships are for TEXAS RESIDENTS ONLY, with a preference given to those in rural areas. In addition to the standard scholarships awarded each year, TRWF also provides the following endowed scholarships to the highest-ranking applicants:

The Jekel Family Scholarship: Thanks to an endowment set up by the family of Dwayne Jekel, TRWF is proud to offer the Jekel Family Scholarship. Established in 2019, this scholarship is given to the highest-ranking applicant, and is designed for students who are interested in the water/wastewater industry.

The Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to support the education of future water/wastewater industry leaders. Established in 2021, this scholarship is funded by past and current board members of the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA). To be considered, applicants must meet additional criteria of a GPA of 3.5 or higher and submission of an additional essay.

• Texas Resident

• U.S. Citizen

• Attending a college, university, or vocational school in 2026-2027

• Letter of recommendation

• The total number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each scholarship is based upon the number of qualified applicants and the amount of funds in the TRWF Scholarship Fund for the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Applicants will be evaluated on a comparative basis at the sole discretion of the TRWF Board of Directors. Decisions of the board will be final. Application materials and decisions of the board are confidential.

• To be eligible for any student scholarship, applicants must complete the application in its entirety, sign the certification statement, and have a parent certify the application by 11:59 p.m. on February 3, 2026.

• Scholarship awards will be announced at TRWA's Annual Convention in March, and recipients will be contacted soon thereafter.

• Acceptance of scholarship constitutes permission by TRWF to promote name and/or likeness of scholarship winners. TRWF reserves the right to revise or withhold the award of any or all scholarships offered.