The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) Women’s Council will award $35,000 in scholarships for 2019-20 academic year, as a result of donations from NWRA member companies in 2018. Since 2007, $190,000 has been awarded to 43 students.

Women’s Council scholarships are offered to NWRA member company employees and their dependents who wish to use their education for a career in the waste and recycling industry. Eligible candidates may be male or female, new or returning/continuing and may be attending a college/university, trade school or community college, full time or part time. Scholarship awards will be scaled in proportion to course load.

“At a time when we are trying to attract more workers to our industry including young men and women, the work of the Women’s Council and its scholarships are important resources,” said Darrell Smith, NWRA president and CEO, in a statement.

“The Women’s Council Board and members continue their efforts to give back to NWRA and the industry,” said Carmen Smothers, Environmental Solutions Group and 2018 Women’s Council president, in a statement. 

Selena McBride, a 2018 scholar, is employed by Republic Services as a billing processor in Antioch, Calif. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting with an associate’s degree in business fundamentals at the University of Phoenix.

McBride is a dedicated employee and is working toward a staff accountant position, and she hopes the degree will help her achieve her goal. In addition, she is fostering four children while raising her own. Her colleagues have recognized her hard work and dedication to the industry and her family.

“I'm so excited. This is great! Thank you all and thank you, Scholarship Committee,” said McBride.

The online application for eligible candidates is available here.