Floodplain Management Association College Scholarship Program

The Floodplain Management Association (FMA) College Scholarship Program provides two scholarships for the selected undergraduate college students that meet the eligibility requirements requirements at an accredited public or private college or university in California, Nevada, or Hawaii.

Scholarship Opportunities

FMA College Scholarship – Students entering their junior or senior year and pursuing a STEM focused course of study, including engineering, planning, or biological, earth and social sciences.

James R. Schaaf Civil Engineering Scholarship – Undergraduate civil engineering students whose primary focus is water resources.

David Ford/HDR Scholarship – Undergraduate civil engineering students whose primary focus is water resources.

Each scholarship pays tuition costs exceeding existing financial aid, up to the award amount. Remaining funds can be used for educational expenses, dormitory room and board, or a stipend for off-campus living. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, high school graduates, enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate degree program, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit complete applications by the assigned deadline. The selection criteria may include education and certificates, relevant volunteer activities, hobbies and interests, employment history, including paid and unpaid internships, awards and honors, financial need, reference letters, and responses to essays required as part of the application.

FMA encourages those interested in a career field related to reducing the risk and impacts of floods on people and communities to apply. Addressing floods and flood risk includes the fields of floodplain management, watershed management and coastal management, and incorporates climate change, the environment, and urban and land management issues. Professionals working in the field include people in the public and private sectors and who are scientists, engineers, planners, and researchers.

Scholarship recipients will gain exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities through the FMA Annual Conference, connecting with industry leaders and peers to advance their careers.

Take the next step toward your future in flood management. Apply now to join a community of leaders committed to reducing flood risks and building resilient communities.

Vision Statement

The FMA College Scholarship is established to provide financial support and professional development opportunities to undergraduate students with career interests that focus on reducing the risk and impacts of floods on people and communities – aligning with the Purposes of FMA as described in the Association’s Constitution and the Objectives of the Bylaws.

Purpose

The FMA College Scholarship Program is intended to support the academic career of a deserving undergraduate student, studying in areas such as engineering, planning, and biological, earth and social sciences, interested in a career field related to reducing the risk and impacts of floods on people and communities. Addressing floods and flood risk includes the fields of floodplain management, watershed management and coastal management, and incorporates climate change, the environment, social justice, and urban and land management issues. Professionals working in the field include people in the public and private sectors and who are scientists, engineers, planners, and researchers.