The California Water Leaders program is aimed at emerging leaders involved with water whether they are attorneys, engineers, farmers, environmentalists, scientists, planners, tribal members or communication specialists.

The program is open to those who work for federal or state agencies, local water and irrigation districts, nonprofits, tribal organizations or private businesses that are involved in water.

Acceptance to the year-long program is extremely competitive. Read this page to learn what you need to submit by Dec. 5, 2024 at 5 p.m. to be considered for the 2025 Water Leaders cohort. The program begins with a mandatory program orientation in Sacramento on Jan. 23, 2025.

“From start to finish, I enjoyed every single minute of this year’s Water Leaders class. …That said, I shouldn’t use “enjoyed” in the past tense because the program will continue to prove its worth for many years to come given what I’ve learned and the number of remarkable people I’ve met.”  - Sean Hermann, Hanson Bridgett, 2021 Cohort Member

– Watch a short video made during our 25th anniversary celebration of the Water Leaders  program in 2022 to find out what alums say about it.

Get tips on how to apply:

Watch the recording of a virtual Q&A session that was held via Zoom on Nov. 6 when Executive Director Jenn Bowles and other Foundation team members provided an overview of the program and gave tips on how to submit a good application.

How to submit an application by Dec. 5, 2024 by 5 p.m.:

Step 1: Read about the program and requirements and the FAQs section below to determine if you can meet the time commitment in 2025. In addition, make sure you have the support of your organization and direct supervisor to apply.

Step 2: Fill out the online application form here.

Step 3: After filling out the form, send one email to Kayla Sergent at ksergent@watereducation.org with the subject line: 2025 Water Leaders Application, with all documents listed below: 

• A one-page written statement addressed to the selection committee describing why you are interested in participating in the cohort (make this your best effort).
• Your resume.
• A reference letter addressed to the selection committee from your employer/supervisor that explains:
  • Their support for the time commitment needed for the program.
  • Why they are supporting you specifically as a candidate.
• A statement of financial need only if you are applying for a scholarship. Please ask your organization first if they can pay the tuition as scholarship funds are limited. See more details below.

Step 4: Send a nonrefundable application fee of $35:

• Use the credit card authorization form to the left, or at the bottom.
• Or send a check to the attention of the Water Leaders Program at this address: Water Education Foundation, 2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95833
• Email Kayla with any questions.

Remember: All items of your application package must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2024!

FAQs:

Who should apply for the cohort? The California Water Leaders program is aimed at emerging leaders involved with water whether they are attorneys, engineers, farmers, environmentalists, scientists, planners, tribal members or communication specialists. Applicants should be early to mid-career with roughly five to 10 years’ experience.

What is the total time commitment for the program? Roughly 15 days over the course of the program, plus time to work on the cohort project.

Program days in 2025 include:

• A day-long mandatory program orientation in Sacramento: Jan. 23
• Four workgroup meetings in Sacramento:
  • Feb. 20
  • June 26 
  • Aug. 28
  • Early October (date to be determined based on Water Summit as these two are paired together)
• Water 101 workshop: April 10 in Sacramento
• Two water tours: Mandatory tour likely June 24-25; options for other tour offered throughout the year
• Water Summit: Early October in Sacramento
• An interview day with a mentor in the spring to be determined by Water Leader and mentor
• A shadow day with a mentor by mid-September

What is the expectation of participants? The program is very strict about attendance. Every participant must attend all required events and all four work group meetings in Sacramento. Only health emergencies are reason to miss an event.

What is the program topic for the year? The topic is chosen by the Foundation and is announced at orientation.

What is the program report focused on? The cohort debates and agrees on three to five policy recommendations for a California water issue that is assigned to them at the beginning of the year. This policy paper is posted on the Foundation website, and widely circulated among mentors and decision-makers in California.

Who are the mentors for the program? Mentors are announced near the beginning of the year. Read examples of past mentors in the alumni profiles.

Do I get to choose my mentor? Mentors are assigned to you by the Foundation. The assignment is designed to allow you to learn about an area of the water world different from your own background or current place of employment. This is an opportunity to broaden your perspective, learn another aspect of water resources and further grow your network.

What does my tuition include? Tuition includes registration for all events and tours (including hotels once on the tour) that are required for the program and meals during work group meetings. Transportation to and from the events and any lodging prior to the event, tour or work group meeting, are not included.

What is the timeline for applications? All application materials and the $35 fee are due on December 5, 2024, at 5 p.m. Candidates can expect to be notified of selection status by the end of December 2024.

Selection Committee:

Our selection committee is made up of our Board Members and Foundation staff (excluding the executive director).

The committee reviews applications with an eye toward building a cohort from diverse backgrounds and selecting those applicants who have:

• a commitment to understanding water issues and to staying in a water-related career;
• a commitment to the community through volunteer activities;
• an interest in seeking leadership roles on public boards and commissions, and/or an interest in opportunities for advancement to key leadership roles within their own organizations.

Tuition/Scholarship Funding:

Tuition for the 2025 program will be $4,700, and includes registration for all events and tours that are mandatory under the program. It does not include transportation to and from the events or the starting point of water tours, or lodging (if needed) the night before.

Each year, a limited amount of need-based scholarship funding is available, such as:

• The John P. Fraser Water Leaders Fellowship for ACWA public member agencies. Please see more information and requirements of fellowship recipients here. And you can print out a flyer here.
• The William R. “Bill” Gianelli Fund from the Water Education Foundation
• The Wayne Clark Water Leaders Scholarship from the Urban Water Institute.

If you are applying for a scholarship, you also must include a statement of financial need as part of your application package.