Future Leaders Scholarship Continues Building the Next Generation of Flood Risk Management Professionals
The ASFPM Foundation’s Future Leaders Scholarship (FLS) continues to make a lasting impact on both students and the floodplain management profession. Since the program was established in 2018, the Foundation has invested in talented undergraduate students pursuing careers related to floodplain and flood risk management, providing financial assistance, mentoring, professional support, and opportunities that help launch successful careers. The scholarship awards up to $20,000 per year for the final two years of an eligible undergraduate degree program and has awarded more than $240,000 to recipients since its inception.
What makes the Future Leaders Scholarship especially meaningful is the success of its recipients. The program has helped develop a growing network of professionals who are already contributing to flood resilience, water resources management, engineering, environmental sciences, and related fields across the country.
The inaugural Future Leaders Scholar, Jesus Mulgado, received the scholarship while attending the University of Arizona. After earning his graduate degree, he transitioned into the profession and now serves as a Water Resources Engineer with AtkinsRéalis, where he contributes to projects that help communities better manage flood risk.
The Foundation’s second scholarship recipient, Elizabeth Lacey, was selected in 2020 while studying civil engineering at Colorado State University. Today, Elizabeth is a Civil Engineer with Michael Baker International, serves on the ACEC Georgia Junior Board, and was recently selected for the prestigious 2026-2027 ACEC Georgia Future Leaders Program, highlighting her growing influence within the engineering profession.
In 2022, the Foundation selected Esme Nelson, then a student at Gonzaga University. Following graduation, Esme joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she now works as a Civil Engineer, helping advance critical infrastructure and water resources projects that benefit communities throughout the region.
The 2023 recipient, Kacie Malone, attended the University of Minnesota, where she pursued a degree in Environmental Geoscience. Since receiving the scholarship, Kacie has begun her professional career as an Assistant Geologist with Burns & McDonnell, applying her scientific expertise to projects that support environmental stewardship and resilience.
Current scholars are also demonstrating exceptional leadership and achievement. Eryn Bloom, the Foundation’s 2024-2026 recipient, is pursuing a double major in Hydrology and Earth Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Geology at St. Cloud State University. Recently, Eryn was honored with the 2026 AIH-RISE Distinguished Recognition for Leadership and Service from the American Institute of Hydrology and has been completing an internship with ISG, gaining valuable experience while continuing to distinguish herself as an emerging leader in the profession.
The Foundation’s newest scholarship recipients continue this tradition of excellence. Audrey Nelson, the 2025-2027 Future Leaders Scholar, is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Florida Gulf Coast University, while Sierra Snowden, selected for the 2026-2028 scholarship cycle, is studying at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Both students represent the passion, talent, and commitment needed to address the flood risk challenges facing future generations.
As flooding challenges become increasingly complex, the need for skilled professionals in engineering, planning, hydrology, environmental science, emergency management, and related disciplines continues to grow. Through the Future Leaders Scholarship, the ASFPM Foundation is helping ensure that promising students have the resources, support, and professional connections needed to enter the field and make a difference.
The Foundation encourages ASFPM members, chapter leaders, universities, consulting firms, government agencies, and industry partners to help identify and promote outstanding students who may be interested in pursuing careers related to floodplain and flood risk management. By supporting future leaders today, the profession is strengthening its ability to build safer, more resilient communities tomorrow.
The 2027–29 application period is expected to open in early October 2026. The application deadline will remain consistent with previous years, with applications due by February 1 each year. For more information about the Future Leaders Scholarship, including eligibility requirements visit the ASFPM Foundation website.
