Bridges to the Future Program

Program Description

 

I. Title

AGU Hydrology Section Bridges to the Future Grant

 

II. Background

Celebrating the past and future of Hydrology, the AGU Hydrology Bridges to the Future Grant is meant to be intergenerational. The effort will connect the foundations of our science while expanding the range and diversity of students interested in water and memorializing those who have made an impact in our field.

 

III. Goal and Scope Statement

The AGU Hydrology Section Bridges to the Future Grant will support students with interests in the Hydrologic sciences to support their academic studies, meeting attendance, visiting research teams, or other education and career experiences. 

 

IV. Frequency

One or more grants will be awarded annually.  For each $50,000 in the fund one grant of $2,000 will be given in perpetuity each year (based on AGU’s 4% endowment target return rate). 

 

V. Eligibility

Eligible candidates must have a demonstrated interest in Hydrological Sciences and be constrained by resources to expand their understanding and engagement in Hydrological Sciences.

Eligible candidates must be enrolled full or part-time as an undergraduate (including two-year institutions), master’s, or doctoral student with an interest in a career in the Earth and space sciences. Preference is given to undergraduate students, but students at any stage in their undergraduate or graduate career are encouraged to apply, regardless of their field of study. 

Active AGU membership is not a requirement.

 

VI. Award Type

One or more grants typically of about $2,000, but depending on the student goals and needs, will be awarded annually. The grant committee will review applications annually and will select the best candidate(s) for the grant(s).

 

VII. Naming and Recognition

The AGU Hydrology Section Bridges to the Future Grant will annually be made in honor of those who have passed away within the Hydrology community.  All members of the AGU hydrology Section may propose an honoree by submitting a cover letter, a 2-page Biographical description, an academic CV, and one or more photographs.  The nomination should be signed by at least three co-nominators.  Selection of honorees will be determined by the AGU Hydrology Section leadership with a goal of including all nominees with exemplary records in hydrological research and education. This will be stated in award announcements in Section Newsletters and on AGU Connect.

New nominations are considered on a rolling basis with a decision being expected within 1 month

For each accumulated donation of $50,000 the name of a particular deceased hydrologist, student recipients will be informed of the honoree.  Example citation: “The 2025 AGU Hydrology Section Bridges to the Future Grant was provided to Sammie Smith studying mathematics who is in their third year at New Yarn University, made in memory of John Doe, PhD. Sammie will use these funds to attend the Chapman Conference on Hydraulic Jumps to be held in Middletown KS.”

 

VIII. Financial Implications

The awardee will be funded through donations made in explicit support of the award. The number of annual grants given and/or the amount of the grants will be expanded or edited appropriately if the original gift or additional funds raised exceed the $50,000 base threshold. The annual grant(s) can be used for: meeting attendance and travel (e.g., Chapman or AGU Annual Meetings), workshops, or visits to labs and other educational and career networking opportunities.  

 

IX. Student Selection and Award Process

The application process will require the submission of the following materials: 

  • Applicant’s details
    • Institution
    • Education level (undergrad, masters, grad) + Year
    • Major
    • Other educational interests
    • CV
  • Short personal statement indicating: 
    1. Demonstrated interest in Hydrological Sciences either through academic or other personal experiences and career goals.
    2. Short (under 2 pages) statement on need and grant activity. What will you use the funding for (examples: meeting attendance and travel (e.g., Chapman or AGU Annual Meetings), workshops, or visits to labs and other educational and career networking opportunities).
    3. Describe your planned budget for the activity and any additional funding you have in place to supplement the grant. Attest to the fact that this activity would not be possible without the grant requested.
    4. What do you hope to gain from the experience funded by the grant?Two one-page letters of recommendation from
    5. professional or academic references
  • All application packets should be in conformance with AGU’s Conflict of Interest Policy. As outlined in section XII below.

 

X. Selection Criteria

Applicants will be judged by the selection committee using the following criteria:

  • A demonstrated history of high-quality work and achievement (not necessarily related to earth science).
  • A demonstrated interest in Hydrological Sciences, by their personal experiences and their statement of their goals.
  • The contents of two letters of recommendation.  Letters should make the case that the student is likely to complete their planned activity (based on previous examples of task completion); use the opportunity to support their future career; and be a good ambassador or AGU values (based on the letter writer citing evidence from the student’s prior activities).
  • The apparent need for these resources to take part in the AGU community (i.e., lack of other options to find funds).

The Hydrology Section President, President-elect, and Secretary will review applications annually and will endeavor to award the grant to the best candidate from the annual application pool based on the criteria above.