Student Competitions
Dam Model Competition
The Dam Model Competition calls for K-12 classes, student branches of professional organizations, or other students interested in dam safety to construct a dam model (tabletop size) based on the criteria discussed below and come up with a plan on how to best use the model to educate the public on dam safety. The Dam Model Competition is organized by the Committee on Education Outreach and funded by the Bruce Tschantz Memorial Fund.
Each winner will receive funding to build their dam model (up to $500), a $1,000 honorarium, an invitation to present the model at an upcoming ASDSO conference, and a travel stipend of $1,500 to attend the ASDSO conference.
The 2026 Dam Model Competition submission window is now open. The deadline is February 3, 2026. Help us promote the competition within your school or organization by downloading the Dam Model Competition flyer!
Student Paper Competition
Each year, ASDSO invites students to enter the Student Paper Competition, open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees at U.S. universities or colleges.
Topics may include traditional areas of design engineering, structural and geotechnical analysis, hydrology, hydraulics, construction, risk management and hazard mitigation, emergency action planning, dam security, and policy. In addition, case studies, emerging and innovative technologies, and senior capstone projects are encouraged.
Each winning paper will receive a $2,000 prize and a travel stipend (up to $1,000) to attend the Dam Safety conference. Winning papers will be published in the annual conference proceedings and be presented in a poster-lighting talk presentation at the upcoming Dam Safety Conference. Other selected entries may be invited to participate in the Dam Safety Conference Poster & Lightning Talk Forum. Conference registration fees will be waived for all participating students enrolled in colleges or universities in the U.S. who present a valid student ID
The 2026 Student Paper Competition submission window is now open. The deadline to enter is February 3, 2026. Help us promote the competition within your school or organization by downloading the Student Paper Competition flyer!
Undergraduate Scholarship Program
At least one scholarship will be awarded, with up to $20,000 in scholarship funds available. A travel stipend to the ASDSO Annual Conference may also be awarded in addition to the scholarship funds. Successful recipients must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and enrolled full-time at the junior or senior level (during the 2025/2026 school year) in an accredited civil engineering program, or a related field as determined by ASDSO, and must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in hydraulics, hydrology or geotechnical disciplines, or in another discipline related to the design, construction, and operation of dams. Undergraduate students planning to graduate in May/December 2026 or in May/December 2027 will be eligible for the 2026 scholarship.
The deadline to submit an application is March 31, 2026.
Want to learn more about student opportunities with ASDSO when they become available? Complete our student opportunities interest form to learn more.
Help us promote the ASDSO Student Competitions within your school or organization by downloading the Student Competitions flyer!
