Arnold Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship

Honoring a Legacy. Investing in the Future.

The Inland Counties Water Association (ICWA) is proud to offer the J. Arnold Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship, established to honor Arnold's legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the water industry.

Through this scholarship, ICWA supports individuals pursuing education, technical training, professional certifications, and leadership development that contribute to the advancement of the water and wastewater industries throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Remembering Arnold Rodriguez

Arnold Rodriguez dedicated 40 years of his professional career to the Santa Ana River Water Company and served for many years as President of the Inland Counties Water Association.

His commitment to the water industry and the professionals who serve our communities reflects the values ICWA continues to promote: education, professional development, leadership, and service.

The Arnold Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship carries that legacy forward by investing in individuals who will help shape the future of water and wastewater services in the Inland Empire.

About the Scholarship

The scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals seeking to expand their knowledge, strengthen their professional skills, or prepare for leadership roles within the water and wastewater industries.

Whether beginning a career, pursuing industry certifications, continuing formal education, or developing leadership skills, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their educational goals will benefit the water and wastewater professions.

Scholarship Details

  • Award Amount: Scholarships are awarded in $500 increments.

  • Funding Source: The annual ICWA Golf Tournament.

  • Application Availability: Applications are accepted when scholarship funding is available.

  • Application Review: Applications are reviewed monthly by the ICWA Scholarship Committee.

  • Approval Process: Scholarship recommendations are presented to the ICWA Board of Directors for consideration and approval at the following regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting.

  • Review Timeline: The application review and approval process may take up to two months.

All scholarship awards are subject to available funding and approval by the ICWA Board of Directors.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is intended for individuals pursuing educational or professional development opportunities related to the water and wastewater industries, particularly those seeking to contribute to the communities of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Examples of qualifying educational and professional interests include:

  • Water treatment, distribution, and production

  • Wastewater collection, treatment, and resource recovery

  • Water quality and environmental sciences

  • Engineering, instrumentation, and operational technology

  • Industry certifications and continuing education

  • Leadership, management, and organizational development

Applicants may include students, individuals entering the industry, and existing water or wastewater professionals seeking to advance their education, technical expertise, or leadership capabilities.

Application and Selection Process

Step 1 — Submit an Application

Complete the online scholarship application when funding is available. Applicants should provide information regarding their educational or professional goals, intended use of scholarship funds, and anticipated contributions to the water and wastewater industries.

Step 2 — Scholarship Committee Review

The ICWA Scholarship Committee reviews completed applications monthly and evaluates each applicant's educational objectives, professional aspirations, and potential contributions to the industry.

Step 3 — Board Consideration

The Scholarship Committee presents its recommendations to the ICWA Board of Directors at the following regularly scheduled monthly Board meeting.

Step 4 — Scholarship Award

The Board votes to approve scholarship awards based on the committee's recommendations and available funding. Applicants will be notified of the Board's decision.

The review and approval process may take up to two months from receipt of a completed application.

Scholarship Recipient Recognition

Scholarship recipients are expected to attend one of ICWA's quarterly events to receive a ceremonial scholarship check and provide a brief presentation to attendees.

The presentation should highlight the recipient's educational and professional goals, including how they intend to contribute to the water and/or wastewater industries within San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

This recognition provides recipients an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, share their aspirations, and strengthen relationships within the regional water and wastewater community.

Apply for the Scholarship

Interested in advancing your education or professional career in the water or wastewater industry?

We encourage you to apply for the Arnold Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship.

The application link below is active when scholarship funding is available.

The Arnold Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship is funded through proceeds from the annual ICWA Golf Tournament.

Through the generosity of tournament participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, ICWA can invest directly in the education and professional development of individuals dedicated to serving our communities.

By participating in the tournament, you help create opportunities for future water and wastewater professionals while honoring Arnold's legacy of leadership and service.

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