The Indiana Lakes Management Society will offer up to two full scholarships to attend the 2027 Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy (IWLA).  The academy helps build an individual’s capacity for successful watershed management.  It is designed for anyone with watershed management responsibilities or interests. Participants have the chance to:

• Engage in basic and advanced level watershed topics covering leadership principles, watershed science, organization and communication, technology and GIS, stakeholder involvement techniques, and policy skills.
• Meet, learn from, and engage with others who work in watershed management.
• Interact with topic experts.
• Gain strategies, skills, and resources for successful watershed management.
• Earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management.

ILMS is committed to helping lake associations, watershed groups, and watershed professionals attend the academy because we recognize the value of the network and education needed by volunteers and professionals alike. Previous scholarship award winners have enjoyed their experience at IWLA where they were able to learn about watershed planning and how to access and use beneficial online platforms related to watersheds and watershed management. Learn more about the Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy here.

Eligibility:

• Preference will be given to applicants who are currently in and are planning to stay in Indiana and continue working in a field related to lake or watershed management.
• Applicants must explain how the experience gained in IWLA will benefit their current role/assist their Lake Association or watershed group in achieving their goals.
• Applicants must commit to providing a presentation, newsletter article, or workshop in exchange for receiving a scholarship.
• Although students are eligible to receive the IWLA scholarship, preference will be given to professionals working in related fields.
• Scholarship winners my not receive more than one ILMS scholarship per year.

Apply by September 25, 2026 for the ILMS scholarship by filling out this application.  Recipients will be announced by October 5, 2026.

The Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy (IWLA) is a program offered through Purdue University.  Individuals interested in attending the 2027 Academy will need to register separately through Purdue (link provided above).  The IWLA application deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026.

The registration fee is $1,500, or less, for select individuals and covers all workshop materials as well as food and single-room lodging for the in-person workshops.  Purdue University also offers a limited number of scholarships.  For more information about the Purdue scholarships, contact Sara Peel, IWLA Coordinator [(765) 337-9100; speel@purdue.edu].  For more information about the IWLA program, contact Jane Frankenberger, IWLA Director and Purdue University Professor and Extension Specialist [(765) 494-1194; frankenb@purdue.edu] or IWLA Coordinator Sara Peel.