INFLOW FAQs
Q: How long is participation in the InFLOW Program?
A: Participation will take place from October 2024 – May 2025.
Q: What is included in program participation?
A: Selected participants receive an assigned water industry mentor to guide them through the program; a complimentary one-year NEWEA/WEF Student membership; complimentary registration and travel stipend to attend NEWEA’s 2025 Annual Conference on January 26-27, 2025 in Boston, MA; and opportunities to network with water industry professionals and participate in NEWEA committees.
Q: When are applications due, and when will I be notified if I am selected as an InFLOW Scholar?
A: Applications close on October 4, 2024 and then we open a review process. We will notify you in early November about the decision.
Q: The professor/teacher I had in mind for recommendation is also recommending another applicant, can they still recommend me?
A: Yes, in fact we encourage everyone to have the same professor recommend all scholars. This way we can work with one person from each university/college as opposed to many.
Q: I cannot attend all evening activities or events; can I still apply?
A: Yes, excused absences are allowed for school or job work with documentation.
Q: What majors are accepted into the STEMPATH track?
A: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors
Q: Can I bring a guest with me to the conference?
A: Scholarship funding can only be used by selected InFLOW Scholars. NEWEA will not cover any registration, travel, or other conference-related expenses incurred by guests. Non-scholars are not allowed to stay at the hotel accommodations that NEWEA covers. If they can cover the costs and find things to do when you are busy with the mandatory engagements, then they can come. However, it is not recommended.
Q: If I am local to the conference, what will NEWEA cover?
A: Your hotel and a stipend will be covered no matter what. We can discuss transport on a case by case basis depending on how close you are.
Q: How can I book my travel arrangements?
A: NEWEA Staff will give specific instructions regarding booking transportation to the Annual Conference. Although we make every effort to accommodate preferences, NEWEA retains the authority to reject arrangements that do not conform to established parameters.
Q: When will I be notified about the hotel accommodations?
A: After all scholars complete their acceptance forms. Hotel assignments will be announced 2-3 weeks prior to conference.
Q: Where is the Conference?
A: Your hotel assignment and the Conference will be at Boston Marriott Copley Place.
Q: What if I need to adjust my travel dates?
A: Shortening the trip is not allowed per eligibility requirements as scholars must attend the Annual Conference on January 26 and 27, 2025. Should you choose to extend your stay, all costs incurred will not be covered by NEWEA and arrangements must be made on your own.
Q: Will I have a roommate assigned with me during the conference?
A: No
Q: What can the stipend be used for?
A: The prepaid stipend is intended to cover various expenses that may arise during the trip, such as ground transportation, meals, and more. Since the stipend is provided in advance, there is no need to submit receipts for reimbursement. Participation in events is required to obtain daily allowance.
Q: What can lead to the forfeiture of the scholarship award?
A: If you do not accept the InFLOW scholar award within ten (10) business days (Monday-Friday, excluding Holidays) of notification or are unable to attend the conference for its entire duration, as specified in the application, you may forfeit the award, and an alternative successful candidate may be chosen.
Q: How can I submit a special accommodation request for travel and hotel?
A: Please email mail@newea.org or jgosselin@newea.org with any special accommodation requests. This can include, but is not limited to, dietary restrictions, mobility help, hearing accommodations, etc.
Q: I have my own funding or my school will pay to cover me, can I be an additional InFLOW scholar?
A: At this point in time, no. The scholarship is to cover the costs. You are most welcome to still attend the NEWEA Annual Conference, but you will not be allowed to join the InFLOW exclusive events or join the virtual online sessions.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for Program Requires you to Meet the Following:
- To participate in the STEMPATH track, must be:
- A full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a participating School/University
- In your junior or senior year or a master student in Fall 2024
- Majoring in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field (note majoring in engineering is not required)
- To participate in the CAREERTECH track, must be student attending any Vocational Schools, Certificate Programs, Trade School or adult education classes related to science/technology, or an employed profession looking to engage in a career change.
- 18 years of age or older by the time you attend the Annual Conference
- Represent a historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic group. NEWEA defines this as those who identify as Black/African, Caribbean/West Indies, Hispanic/LatinX, Asian/Pasifika, and Native Americans/First Nations.
- Experience in water is not required, but an interest in the water industry is encouraged.
Responsibilities
- Required to participate in online activities throughout the program (October 2024 to May 2025).
- Required to attend NEWEA’s Annual Conference January 26-27, 2025 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place in Boston, MA, and fully participate in all scheduled activities
- Willing to fully participate with NEWEA Staff, Sponsors, & Members before and after Annual Conference 2025
- Responsibly represent their School/University/Organization during NEWEA InFLOW events and while at the Annual Conference.
- Follow Massachusetts State and Federal Laws, including not consuming alcohol if under 21.
- Complete an exit survey to provide feedback on your experience with the program and improvements that can be made to make future programs more successful.
