NDWEF Accepting Applications for Dushinske-Jamison Water Scholarships by April 15

The North Dakota Water Education Foundation is accepting applications for the Dushinske & Jamison Water Resources Scholarship, with four $1,500 awards available and a closing date of April 15, 2026. The foundation announced the opportunity on Jan. 20, and students who attend or plan to attend a North Dakota college or university are eligible to apply.

The scholarship endowment honors Russell Dushinske and Warren Jamison for their service and leadership in North Dakota water development. Preference will be given to applicants studying water-related fields or to those who have family involvement in water management, a provision designed to support the pipeline of local talent into roles such as irrigation management, municipal water supply, watershed planning, and county water boards.

For Stutsman County residents the scholarships offer a clear financial incentive to pursue water-related studies without leaving the state. Jamestown-area students considering degrees in hydrology, civil engineering, environmental science, or natural resources can use the awards to defray tuition and related costs. The awards also aim to strengthen a workforce that local governments and private operators rely on to manage ditches, maintain infrastructure, and respond to flooding or drought conditions.

Applications are available directly from the NDWEF office. Call 701-223-8332, email editor@ndwater.net, or visit ndwater.org and follow the scholarship links to request materials and submission instructions. Those who wish to support future scholarships may contribute to the endowment by mailing donations to NDWEF, PO Box 2254, Bismarck, ND 58502.

Community leaders and water managers in Stutsman County should view the scholarship as both a recruitment tool and a way to retain talent locally. Local utilities, conservation districts, and high school counselors can play a role by identifying eligible students and encouraging applications before the April 15 deadline. Increasing the number of locally trained water professionals helps maintain continuity in operations from ditch riders to municipal utility managers and supports long-term planning for irrigation and flood mitigation.

The Dushinske & Jamison scholarships are modest in amount but targeted in impact: four awards of $1,500 can make a meaningful difference for students balancing tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. Applicants and supporters in Stutsman County have until April 15, 2026 to act. For students, that means lining up transcripts and letters of reference now; for local entities, it means promoting the opportunity so more Jamestown-area residents can stay engaged in the water work that shapes daily life.