WORC 2025 CFOT Scholarship Application

About CFOT: Since February of 1995, WORC has raised compost facility operator technical knowledge and sound operating techniques, through the annual Compost Facility Operator Training. The training is four full days at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center and one day touring commercial compost facilities. The current curriculum consists of classroom training, hands-on interactive sessions, field trips, and a written examination. Topics covered include:

Compost Use in Agriculture and Horticulture
Biology of the Compost Pile
Feedstock Management
Regulations
Odor Control and Response
Sampling and Testing
Compost Quality
Compost Facility Operations

This scholarship provides an opportunity to help minimize the cost of attending CFOT for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend, including post-graduate students, non-profit composters, and emerging industry professionals. This enriches our collective training experience and the Washington composting community by welcoming people with diverse backgrounds who deserve to contribute to our shared mission, regardless of cost.

This year’s training will be held in-person at WSU Puyallup from October 13 – October 17, 2025.

This year, full scholarships will be awarded to 2 applicants and partial (50%) will be awarded to an additional 2 applicants. Successful applicants will show an outstanding interest in organic materials management and potential contributions to the industry.The scholarship, if awarded, covers the cost of the 5-day training including group transport to and from compost facilities on tour day, and the food provided over the course of the training day ($1,800/$900 value). The scholarship does not cover other expenses including costs of daily transportation to/from WSU Puyallup or accommodation.

This year, some written course resources, including the exam, will be made available in Spanish. However, the instruction will be conducted in English.

If you have any questions about this application, please reach out to livj@compostsystems.com

Thank you!

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Applicant School, Organization, or Employer (if applicable):

Describe your personal and/or work experience with composting:*

Describe why you are interested in attending this year’s CFOT:*

Describe how you intend to contribute to the Washington composting community in the future after completing CFOT.*

If you currently operate a facility, where is the facility located and what kind of material does it process?*

If course instruction was offered in another language besides English, which language would be most useful to you?

Terms and conditions:

● I acknowledge that the scholarship, if awarded, does not cover the costs of transportation, lodging, or meals outside of the CFOT training schedule.

● I acknowledge that I am over 18.

● I agree to attend all 5 days of training and complete the exam at the end.

Date*

Signature*

WORC: CFOT 2025 Scholarship Application