News release
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, in partnership with the Association of California Water Agencies, announced that the 2026 Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship has been awarded to California State University, Fresno, student Victor Ilias Fraga.
Established in honor of the late Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach, a past ACWA president, SCV Water vice president, and longtime local, state and national water leader, this annual ACWA Scholarship Program awards $5,000 to one qualified undergraduate student majoring in engineering, agricultural and/or urban water supply, environmental studies, public administration, or other water-resource-related fields.
“We are proud to partner with ACWA and fund the Gladbach Scholarship to continue the important work Jerry began by investing in the next generation of California’s water leaders,” SCV Water Board President Maria Gutzeit said in a news release. “We congratulate Victor on earning this scholarship and we look forward to his continued growth in the industry.”
Fraga is a plant science and agricultural business student at Fresno State with a minor in water studies. His recent academic achievements include being named the Fresno State Plant Science Department Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher and Outstanding Soil Judging Participant for the 2025-26 academic year.
While expecting to complete his bachelor of science degree in May 2027, Fraga was also selected as one of 20 students nationwide for Cornell AgriTech’s Summer Scholar Program, where he will conduct mentored research bridging plant science and applied agricultural technology. His cross-disciplinary education positions him to translate fundamental science into practical solutions for California farmers, the release said.
“Receiving the Gladbach Scholarship means a great deal to me because it recognizes my passion for agriculture, water sustainability and research in California,” Fraga said in the release. “This support will help me continue pursuing hands-on research experiences and prepare for a future career focused on improving agricultural systems and resource management.”
The Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship is awarded through the ACWA Scholarship Program to a full-time undergraduate student attending an accredited University of California or California State University. Scholarship applications are open from late December through March 1 each year for the following academic year. For a list of qualifications and eligibility requirements, and a link to the online application system, visit ACWA’s scholarships page at www.acwa.com/about/scholarships.
