Congratulations to Andrew Canchola, the recipient of our 2019-2020 Environmental Internship Award! Andrew is a sophomore at Colorado State University (CSU) majoring in natural resources management, with a minor in sustainable water. Although he grew up in southern California, he spent summers visiting his grandparents in the Estes Park area, which gives him close ties to the Big Thompson River. During his senior year of high school, Andrew received a scholarship from the Mojave Water Agency in California, where he explored ways to convert wastewater into purified drinkable water. He was then offered the opportunity to serve as the youngest employee and intern in the Mojave Water Agency’s 59-year history. He is active in several clubs at CSU, including Rams without Borders, ENPower, and the CSU Fly Fishing Club. With a strong interest in the issues of water shortages and drought, Andrew plans to pursue a career in water resource management.
Since 2009, the Big Thompson Watershed Forum has awarded an annual $1,500 environmental scholarship to a student attending Colorado State University or the University of Northern Colorado and enrolled in an academic program related to water. Beginning in 2019, the Forum now offers a paid internship in lieu of a scholarship. This provides the student with more hands-on experience and the opportunity to work with Forum staff in our offices and at events.
Environmental Scholarship Award Winners by Year
- 2018: Carly McGowan (Colorado State University, Environmental Engineering)
- 2017: Kathleen Dorman (University of Northern Colorado, Environmental Science)
- 2016: Diane Meraz (Colorado State University, Ecosystem Science & Sustainability)
- 2015: Emilie Abbott (Colorado State University, Environmental Engineering)
- 2014: Krystle Ervin (Colorado State University, Civil Engineering)
- 2013: Kali Arenas (University of Northern Colorado, Earth & Environmental Science); Amanda Weber (Colorado State University, Watershed Science)
- 2012: Elisa Baebler (Colorado State University, Watershed Science)
- 2011: Donal O’Leary (Colorado State University, Watershed Science)
- 2010: Lindsay Davis (Colorado State University, Environmental Health)
- 2009: Kelsey McCarty (Colorado State University, Watershed Science)