Celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2017, the Right of Way International Education Foundation (RWIEF) partnered with IRWA to fund 40 scholarships. The program, “40 For Forty Launching Careers Scholarship”, was open to IRWA members in good standing that were committed to achieving the Right of Way Agent (RWA) or Right of Way Professional (RWP) credential. Two recipients from each of the ten IRWA regions, plus 20 more recipients from members throughout IRWA were selected. RWIEF committed $185,000 to fund these scholarships over three years from January 2018 to December 2020 and IRWA managed the program. The 40 For Forty Scholarship has flourished with 39 scholars in the program (one left the industry). Thus far, 20 scholars have completed their path with 11 RWA and 9 RWP certifications.

Due to the success of the 40 For Forty program, the Foundation is pleased to announce a new scholarship called, “20/20 Vision Scholarship Program”. This scholarship is targeted to new professionals in the infrastructure real estate industry seeking to advance their careers through credentialing. The Foundation will fund the program for three years, beginning July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, providing grants up to $92,500.

To qualify, applicants must have been a member in good standing for at least one year and committed to achieving the RWA and/or RWP credential. Funding may only be used towards course registration fees for eligible courses. Applicants are required to submit a one-page essay outlining how the scholarship will enable them to contribute to IRWA’s purpose and mission.

To apply, visit IRWA’s website and click on “20/20 Vision Scholarship Program” under the Education tab. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2020 and grantees will be notified by June 1, 2020. Awards will begin on July 1, 2020.