To increase diversity and the numbers of students from underrepresented ethnic groups pursuing studies in meteorology, the elected National Weather Association Council members for 2002 developed a college scholarship fund to begin in 2003.

Offering:
One scholarship per year in the amount of $1000.

Administration:
The scholarship selection will be administered by the NWA Education Committee. The NWA office will announce the call for applications in January each year, applications close 15 April and the scholarship designee will be notified by mid-May.

Eligibility:
Any minority undergraduate or graduate student going into their sophomore year or higher grade and majoring in meteorology may apply. If the undergraduate student is classified as a senior they must either have one more fall (Sep. - Dec.) semester to complete after the scholarship is awarded, or they must document that they have been accepted into graduate school.

The scholarship will be awarded based on:
1. Official college transcripts (academic achievement).
2. Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a current or former meteorology professor).
3. A letter (not longer than one page) from applicant describing their involvement/interest in meteorology.

Logistics:
Scholarship money will be transferred following the financial guidelines of the college or university involved. If there aren't any financial guidelines from the school, NWA will make the $1,000 check payable to both the student and the education institution at the beginning of the September - December semester or quarter.