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. 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. to be considered for the 2026 Water Leaders cohort. The program begins with a mandatory program orientation in Sacramento on Jan. 22, 2026.

“The Water Leaders Program was hands-down, the best professional development program I’ve had in the water industry. Thanks again to Jenn Bowles and her team for providing me, and my fellow cohort members with such an incredible experience.” - Joel Metzger, 2023 Cohort Member and Deputy Director of Statewide Water Resources Planning and Enterprise Project Management at the California Department of Water Resources. 

- 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:

Join a virtual Q&A via Zoom on Nov. 5 at noon when Executive Director Jenn Bowles and other Foundation team members will provide an overview of the program and give tips on how to submit a good application.

How to submit an application by Dec. 3, 2025 by 1 p.m.:

Step 1: Read about participant requirements and this entire page, especially the mandatory dates below, to determine if you can meet the time commitment in 2026. 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 online application form, send one email to Marilyn Lapkass at mlapkass@watereducation.org with the subject line: 2026 Water Leaders Application and attach all documents listed below as PDFs: 

• 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, and why the selection committee should select you.
• 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 one of two ways:

• Use the credit card link in the confirmation email after you submit the application form. 
• 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 Marilyn with any questions.

Remember: All items of your application package must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Dec. 3, 2025!

Mandatory program dates & expectations:

The commitment time for the program is roughly 15 days over the course of the program, plus time to work on the cohort project.

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

Mandatory dates include: 

• Orientation: Jan. 22, a day-long program in Sacramento.
• Work Group Meetings in Sacramento: These meetings run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to accommodate those traveling to Sacramento by plane, train or car. 
  • Feb. 19
  • June 18 (paired with June 16-17 Water Leaders Tour) 
  • Aug. 27
  • Oct. 30 (paired with Oct. 29 Water Summit)
• One-Day Water 101 Workshop: Date to be determined between late March and early April.
• Water Summit: Oct. 29 in Sacramento.
• Water Tours: Mandatory Water Leaders Tour June 16-17; options for a second tour are offered throughout the year.
• Mentor Interview: An interview session with a mentor in the spring to be determined by Water Leader and assigned mentor.
• Shadow Day: With a mentor by mid-September.
• Board Presentation: Dec. 7: Your cohort will present your findings to the Foundation Board of Directors in Sacramento.

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 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 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. They include leading water experts and managers from across various interested parties. 

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.

When will I know if I’m accepted into the program? Candidates can expect to be notified of selection status typically before Christmas.

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 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 2026 program will be:

• $4,800 for Foundation member organizations, and those working at state and federal agencies.
• $5,300 for non-member organizations.
• If you are unsure about your organization’s membership, reach out to Marilyn Lapkass.

The tuition 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.