The NWRA Women’s Council announces the continuation and expansion of its partnership with the Detachable Container Association (DCA). In a significant show of support for the future leaders of the recycling and waste industry, DCA has generously doubled its scholarship commitment. The Women’s Council Scholarship Program will now offer two DCA-funded scholarships, each valued at $7,500, for the 2025-2026 academic year.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with the Detachable Container Association,” said Kerri Mead-Bell, president of the NWRA Women’s Council and president of Anchor Disposal. “DCA’s increased support allows us to provide even more opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals, furthering our commitment to education and professional development.”
In 2021, DCA’s Board of Directors established the Mickey & Ellen Flood Scholarship, which aims to benefit NWRA member company employees and their dependents through the NWRA Women’s Council Scholarship, which is designed to support students pursuing a career in the recycling and waste industry or related fields, as well as existing industry workers seeking to further their career. The Mickey & Ellen Flood Scholarship was established not only to honor the memory of Mickey’s numerous contributions to recycling and waste industry but to also honor Ellen as co-founder of the NWRA Women’s Council.
Funding for the scholarships is made by generous donations from DCA and NWRA members and is granted annually by the NWRA Women’s Council through a fund within DCA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. “NWRA’s Women’s Council is committed to creating a positive networking environment for all women in the recycling and waste industry, supporting professional development for NWRA membership through scholarships and committing to giving back to the industry annually via its Women in Waste initiative,” commented Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA.
The application period for the 2025-2026 scholarships will open in November 2024. Eligible students are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to receive financial assistance for their studies. “The Detachable Container Association is proud to partner with the NWRA Women’s Council and invest in the future of our industry,” said Stephen Smith, president of DCA. “By doubling our scholarship commitment, we hope to inspire and support more students as they embark on their educational journeys.”