Academic scholarships
For high school and undergraduate students pursuing a degree. Funds go directly to the accredited school, one award per region, up to $750 each.
A program of the ARWA
Helping Alabama's water families go further.
The John A. Garrett Scholarship Fund invests in the students and operators who keep clean water flowing across rural Alabama, with awards for college and for water and wastewater certification.
$750per scholarship
6awards every year
3Alabama regions
133+recipients since 2002
Two ways to grow
One fund, two paths forward
Every year the fund awards 6 scholarships, split evenly so each can take a different road into the water profession.
Certification scholarships
For operators advancing through the Alabama Water and Wastewater Operator Certification School, Grades I through IV. Covers tuition, manuals, and exam fees, up to $750 each.
The faces of the fund
Meet our 2025 recipients
Southern
Kaylee Michelle Frazier
Kaylee is the daughter of Maranda Kervin, Office Manager at Quint-Mar Water Authority in Crenshaw County. Kaylee is a 2025 graduate of Luverne High School with a 3.90 GPA. Kaylee is planning to attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Kaylee is the daughter of Maranda Kervin, Office Manager at Quint-Mar Water Authority in Crenshaw County. Kaylee is a 2025 graduate of Luverne High School with a 3.90 GPA. Kaylee is planning to attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Southern
Ethen Ryan Gardner
Ethen is the son of Randy Gardner, Water Distribution Foreman at Montgomery Water Works in Montgomery County. Ethen is a 2025 graduate of Alabama Christian Academy with a 4.27 GPA. Ethen is planning to attend the University of Montevallo, where he will pursue a degree in marketing.
Ethen is the son of Randy Gardner, Water Distribution Foreman at Montgomery Water Works in Montgomery County. Ethen is a 2025 graduate of Alabama Christian Academy with a 4.27 GPA. Ethen is planning to attend the University of Montevallo, where he will pursue a degree in marketing.
Central
Jonathan Allen Hodge
Jonathan is the son of Alaine Hodge, Accounting Manager at East Alabama Water, Sewer, and Fire District in Chambers County. Jonathan in a 2025 graduate of Valley High School with a 4.3 GPA. Jonathan is planning to attend Auburn University, where he will pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Jonathan is the son of Alaine Hodge, Accounting Manager at East Alabama Water, Sewer, and Fire District in Chambers County. Jonathan in a 2025 graduate of Valley High School with a 4.3 GPA. Jonathan is planning to attend Auburn University, where he will pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Central
Britton Samuel Pierce
Britton is the son of Derek Pierce, Program Manager with the Alabama Rural Water Association. Britton is a 2025 graduate of Thompson High School in Alabaster with a 4.327 GPA. Britton is planning to attend Troy University, where he will pursue a degree in physical education/ special education.
Britton is the son of Derek Pierce, Program Manager with the Alabama Rural Water Association. Britton is a 2025 graduate of Thompson High School in Alabaster with a 4.327 GPA. Britton is planning to attend Troy University, where he will pursue a degree in physical education/ special education.
Stand with us
Your gift becomes someone's first step.
The fund is powered by donors and by the annual John A. Garrett Golf Tournament. Every contribution is tax-deductible and goes straight to an Alabama water family.