2026 ZAA AJ Higginbottom Scholarship

The ZAA AJ Higginbottom Scholarship was created to provide an opportunity for individuals to attend the annual conference who might not otherwise be able to attend due to limited finances.

Award Details:

The scholarship is intended for young professionals wanting to be more involved in the ZAA but who need funding assistance to attend the conference. It is NOT intended for senior staff of any agency.

Up to $400 stipend plus free full conference registration
NOTE: Registration does not include conference extras
Stipend can be used for travel, lodging, conference extras, and/or meal costs (excluding alcohol); recipient must provide receipts for all expenses to be reimbursed
Stipend to be reimbursed after conclusion of conference
Recipient will be required to work at the conference registration table for 1 volunteer shift
Recipient agrees to submit a follow-up testimonial, which could be used for a ZAA social media post and/or published in the ZAA Journal or similar publications

Eligibility:

Must not have attended a ZAA conference in the past three years
Must not have previously received this award
Must be a current ZAA member, at any level, for at least 1 year at the time of the application deadline

**Complete all questions and upload a resume in PDF format. A statement of support must also be uploaded or emailed separately to [email protected]. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Email [email protected] with any questions.

Deadline for submissions is July 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
Recipients will be notified by July 31st, 2026.
Confirmation of acceptance of the scholarship is due by August 31st, 2026.

The 2026 ZAA Annual Conference will be held in New Orleans, LA from November 9th - 13th, 2025.

First Name *

Last Name *

Where are you currently employed? *

What is your current job title? *

Will you have been an active ZAA member for at least one year by the application deadline? *

Yes

Are you currently a student? *

Yes

School Information

School name and location (city, state)

What is your anticipated graduation date (year only)?

What is your major/area of study?

Have you attended a ZAA Conference before? *

Yes

What year or location did you last attend? *

How will attending the conference expand or support your professional goals? *

Please briefly describe your financial needs for this scholarship. *

Please upload a Statement of Support in PDF format. This statement can be from a co-worker, current or former supervisor, colleague, or other professional contact. Statements can also be emailed directly to [email protected]. NOTE: applications will be considered incomplete without this statement.

PDF ( max 5 Files )

Please upload your resume in PDF format. *

PDF ( max 2 Files )