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2027 Membership Scholarship Application

Instructions and Guidelines

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH NOVEMBER 13, 2026

Scholarship recipients will receive:

Full or partial scholarship, awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and ability to participate in the betterment of the organization. The credit will be applied towards one regular CRRA membership. A membership runs one (1) year from date of activation. The balance of the partial membership may be paid at one time or in installments.

Membership benefits include: eligibility to be elected to a maximum of three (3) Technical Councils Executive Committees for one year; the opportunity to attend the annual conference, certification courses, Technical Council events, webinars, and all other CRRA hosted events at the discounted membership rate and participate in mentorship programs; access to all the benefits and discounts of membership.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:
Candidates that are eligible to apply for a scholarship may include, but are not limited to:
  • Those experiencing financial hardship and/or their employer not able to pay for membership fees due to budget constraints.
  • Young professionals (e.g. Age 40 or younger) in the industry.
  • Individuals that are from a diverse background.
  • Individuals who are new to the industry (priority will be given to those with less than 3 years of experience).

SELECTION PROCESS:
Once applications are received, the CRRA Membership Committee will review and provide feedback to the CRRA Board, who will approve the applicants selected to receive the membership discount. Selection will be awarded to applicants based on their evidence of a commitment to advocate for the Earth’s natural systems through their professional and personal endeavors in the Zero Waste industry, and how their membership will contribute to the betterment of CRRA.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Relevance: Will the applicant's membership help CRRA achieve their goals and support mission?
Commitment: Will the applicant achieve his or her specific career goals through this membership?
Initiative: Has the applicant demonstrated continued dedication to Zero Waste? Will the applicant help CRRA broaden its membership and diversity?
Communication: Was the applicant responsive to all questions?

EXPECTED TIMELINE:
Application Window: October 14th - November 13th
Selection Process: November 14th - December 4th
Notification to applicants: December 7th - 11th
Membership Activation: January 1st, 2027 - December 31st, 2027


The California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) has established a Scholarship Fund to provide support for membership costs in one of California’s oldest and most influential non-profit recycling organizations. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide opportunity for those individuals who may not otherwise be a part of the organization. Discounted memberships will be granted each year to individuals in the Zero Waste industry.
1.Applicant Information - please provide your contact information:(Required.)
2.Are you a student, young professional, or new to the industry?(Required.)
3.How many years have you worked in this industry?(Required.)
4.Have you been a CRRA member before?(Required.)
5.Have you been awarded a CRRA Membership Scholarship before?(Required.)
6.If you answered yes to question 5, please list the year(s) you were awarded the Membership Scholarship.
Please keep the evaluation criteria (listed above) in mind while answering the following four questions. Scholarships will be awarded based on the information you provide. We encourage you to submit thoughtful and honest responses.
7.Why do you feel you should be awarded this scholarship?(Required.)
8.How will you share your experience and acquired knowledge from CRRA membership with others?(Required.)
9.How would this membership scholarship help you achieve your goals?(Required.)
10.Are there any special circumstances that may additionally support your scholarship request? (Furthering education, transitional careers, overcoming obstacles, employer will not pay for memberships, etc.)(Required.)
11.Are you interested in opportunities to attend the annual CRRA conference, participate in a Young Professionals group or Technical Council, or volunteer in other capacities?(Required.)
12.How did you hear about this scholarship opportunity?(Required.)
13.Optional question for DEI tracking purposes.

If you choose to, please share your gender/gender identity.
14.Optional question for DEI tracking purposes.

If you choose to, please share your ethnicity.
15.Optional question for DEI tracking purposes.

What is your age range?
16.Optional question for DEI tracking purposes.

How long have you been involved with CRRA?
17.I have answered all questions in this application truthfully and to the best of my ability.(Required.)
Current Progress,
0 of 17 answered