SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2026
2026 GRC Scholarship Winners Announcement
Congratulations are in order for SWANA Gold Rush Chapter’s 2026 Scholarship Program award recipients, Briah Urman and Lara Detweiler. The GRC Board approved awards of $2,000 for each of them to pursue their bachelor’s degrees!
Briah (Cyndi Urman- sponsor) is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Virginia Tech. She hopes to apply education in a way that helps improve the world. Briah recognizes the need to address plastics in the waste stream and is conscientious in her personal actions to reduce the impact such as using a zero-waste lunch approach. Briah is especially keen on creating a circular economy that reduces the impact on landfills. Briah also prides herself on her work with the Samaritan House to raise funds to support the unhoused population in her region.
Lara (Amy Padovani- sponsor) will attend UC Davis in Fall 2026 to earn a degree in Environmental Science. She feels strongly about participating in changing environmental policy and sustainability to continue to enhance our environment. Growing up in a family that works in the solid waste industry and taking AP Environmental Science in high school has given her a unique understanding of importance of reducing waste through improved sustainable products. Lara enjoys opportunities to engage in supporting efforts to enhance the solid waste industry zero-waste endeavors.
Congratulations to both our scholarship recipients! We are proud to support you!
THE CHARLES BENSON SCHOLARSHIP
The late Charles Benson was the long-time chairman of the Monterey Regional Waste Management District, who was a strong supporter of SWANA. Charlie routinely attended SWANA regional and national events to expand his understanding and knowledge of solid waste management. His leadership on the District Board of Directors was key to the District’s overall growth and becoming the first recipient of the SWANA award for Best Solid Waste Management System in North America.
THE WILLIAM MERRY SCHOLARSHIP
William Merry worked for the Monterey Regional Waste Management District for many years and served as the District’s third General Manager. William continued the leadership of the District in solid waste management and was recognized for his dedication to the solid waste industry. He served on several national committees, including the SWANA Hazardous Waste Committee, was the SWANA Technical Division Director, and served on the Editorial Advisory Board of MSW Management Magazine. Upon his retirement from the District, the District honored William by contributing to the Chapter scholarship program in William’s name.
THE ARNOLD "DUFFY" THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIP
The late Arnold "Duffy" Thompson worked for Stanislaus County and was a leader who promoted the concept of sanitary landfill. But it was after his retirement from Stanislaus County that Duffy’s dedication to the Gold Rush Chapter became clearly evident. Duffy dedicated countless hours to supporting the Gold Rush Chapter at numerous regional and national SWANA events. He organized and helped run the Chapter Road-E-O, a competition for drivers and mechanics that was truly a family event.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
Please note the Gold Rush Chapter Board of Directors recently approved revisions to the Chapter Scholarship Program. Please read the following information carefully.
The Gold Rush Chapter Scholarship Program is open to Chapter Members, Student Members, and the children and grandchildren (including adopted children and stepchildren) of a Member (sponsor) in good standing of the Gold Rush Chapter.
Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
Graduating high school senior or graduate equivalent certified applicant who has been accepted for enrollment in an accredited junior college, or an accredited four-year college or university; or
a current student enrolled in an accredited college or university; or a college or university graduate entering or in an accredited graduate school.
In addition to a completed application form, applicants are to provide the following with their application:
Letter of acceptance if a graduating high school senior or junior college student, or entering graduate school
Short statement of estimated tuition and fees, including any other scholarships or educational funding awarded to date for the coming year or applied for.
One page discussion of the applicant’s views on solid waste management
Description of the applicant’s future education and career goals.
Award amounts will be dependent upon the number of qualified applicants, the major or area of study, and the available approved budget. Students in environmental science, engineering, or other suitable major related to the field of solid waste management will be eligible for a maximum award of $2,000. Student in all other majors will be eligible for a maximum award of $1,000. Part-time and JC students will be eligible for a maximum award of $1,000.
Applications will be rated based on GPA, technical major, career goals, extracurricular activities, and student SWANA membership.
An applicant may receive a maximum of two scholarship awards during different years. However, preference will be given to first-time applicants.
At the discretion of the Scholarship Committee, an applicant may be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee to obtain additional information or confirm information.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted between March 1 and May 1 of each year by clicking on the "APPLY HERE" button below.
Scholarships Offered by SWANA International
The Robert P. Stearns/SCS Engineers Scholarship Award
Criteria for selection: Full-time students who are entering or are in graduate school pursuing a degree in environmental science, engineering or other suitable major related to the field of solid waste management. Eligible candidates must be sons, daughters, grandsons or granddaughters of a SWANA Member (sponsor) in good standing as of May 1st or SWANA Student Members in good standing.
Scholarship Amount: One award of $5,000
Harvey W. Gershman Scholarship
Named for a co-founder and owner of Gershman, Brickner, & Bratton, Inc., (GBB), this scholarship is awarded to full-time university students pursuing a degree in studies applicable to the field of solid waste or resource management and intending to seek employment in the industry.
Criteria for selection: Students from Northeastern University are particularly encouraged to apply, but all Category II scholarship applicants may also be considered for this prestigious award. Category II: Currently enrolled full-time college or university students who are entering their junior or senior undergraduate year and pursuing a degree in environmental science, engineering, or other suitable major related to the field of solid waste management. To be eligible, candidates must be the children or grandchildren of a SWANA Member (sponsor) in good standing as of May 1st of the current calendar year or SWANA Student Members in good standing.
Scholarship Amount: One award of $5,000, funded by a generous donation from Harvey Gershman.
