Leo Bourassa Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Virginia Lakes and Watershed Association

Leo Bourassa Scholarship — Purpose and background

The Leo Bourassa Scholarship was established in 2001 to advance the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association’s mission by supporting students who study topics connected to water resources. The award honors Leo Bourassa, founder of the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association, and is intended to encourage careers and study in watershed management and related fields. Scholarships are granted annually to deserving students whose academic and extracurricular efforts align with the Association’s goals. The program aims to both recognize achievement and reduce financial barriers for students pursuing water-resources careers.

• Founded in 2001 to support students in water-resources fields
• Named for Leo Bourassa, founder of the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association

Awards support academic and career development in watershed-related areas

Named for Leo Bourassa:

The scholarship commemorates the Association’s founder and his contributions to watershed stewardship.
Program purpose:

Encourage study and careers that improve water quality, watershed management, and related disciplines.

Award details and disbursement

Scholarship funds are issued directly to the recipient’s college or university and may only be applied toward tuition or mandatory fees. The program typically awards multiple scholarships each year, with individual award values generally ranging from $3,000 down to $500. Exact award amounts and the number of recipients may vary each year depending on funding and the pool of qualified applicants. Recipients should expect the Association to coordinate payment with their institution rather than receiving funds personally.

• Payments are made by check to the recipient’s college/university
• Funds are restricted to tuition and fees only
• Typical award range: $3,000 to $500; number and size of awards vary annually

Payment method:

Checks are written to the educational institution, not to the student.
Use restriction:

Award funds cover tuition and approved institutional fees only.

Selection criteria

Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, demonstrated contributions to water-resources work, and relevant extracurricular involvement. The Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association scholarship committee reviews applications and scores them against these criteria. The committee then provides recommendations to the VLWA Board of Directors, which approves the final slate of annual scholarship recipients. Selection emphasizes both scholarly achievement and practical engagement in water-resources activities.

• Evaluation factors include academics, contributions to water-resources fields, and extracurriculars
• A committee reviews applications and recommends recipients to the Board of Directors

Both academic merit and demonstrated engagement in the field are important

Evaluation factors:

Academic record, work/volunteer experience in water resources, and related activities.
Decision process:

Committee evaluation leads to Board approval of awards.

Application process and required materials

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association website, and the deadline is at the start of April each year. Applicants should prepare a description of their salaried and volunteer experiences in water resources; a list of relevant clubs and organizations (including any VLWA participation); a statement explaining why they deserve the scholarship that covers academic background, work experience, educational plans, and career objectives; and a copy of current college transcripts (official or unofficial). In addition, a minimum of two letters of recommendation from non-family members is required; applications missing recommendation letters will not be considered. Recommenders may mail letters directly to the address provided by the Association so long as they arrive by the application deadline.

• Submit applications online via the VLWA website by the start of April
• Required documents: experience description, club/organization list, personal statement, and transcripts
• Two non-family recommendation letters are mandatory; letters can be mailed by recommenders

How to apply:

Complete and submit the electronic application on the VLWA website by the early-April deadline.
Required documents:

Experience summary, involvement list, personal statement (plans and objectives), and current transcripts.
Recommendations:

At least two letters from non-family members are required; missing letters disqualify the application.

Applicant eligibility

Applicants must be Virginia residents enrolled in good standing at a Virginia-accredited college or university at the time of application and at the time of award. Candidates must have completed, or expect to complete by the award date, at least two semesters of undergraduate study. Eligible enrollment statuses include full-time undergraduate, full-time graduate, or part-time graduate students pursuing curricula related to water resources—examples include biology, conservation, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, limnology, stormwater management, water quality, and wildlife studies; other water-related areas may also qualify. Past scholarship recipients are permitted to reapply.

• Must be a Virginia resident and enrolled at a Virginia-accredited institution at application and award time
• Minimum academic progress: at least two semesters completed or to be completed by award date
• Eligible programs: undergraduate or graduate study in water-resources–related fields; prior recipients may reapply

Residency & enrollment:

Virginia residency and enrollment in good standing at a Virginia-accredited college/university are required.
Course of study:

Programs must be related to water resources; a broad range of disciplines may qualify.
Reapplication:

Previous recipients are eligible to apply again.