The application window is now open for our 2026 Colorado River Water Leaders program, which will run from March through September next year.

Our biennial program is patterned after our highly successful California Water Leaders program and selects rising stars from the seven states that rely on the river - California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico – as well as tribal nations and Mexico to take part in the cohort.

During the seven-month program designed for working professionals, the cohort members explore issues surrounding the iconic Southwest river, deepen their water knowledge and build leadership skills.

Acceptance to the program is highly competitive. Get a program overview and tips on applying by attending our virtual Q&A session on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. (Mountain Time) / 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time).

Applications are due by Jan. 26, 2026, no later than 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). 

“I highly recommend the program to emerging water leaders. The program’s immersive experience, relationship building and mentorship opportunities cultivate leadership and collaborative skills crucial for addressing complex challenges faced by all those who rely upon the Colorado River now and into the future.”

– JB Hamby, Class of ‘22 & Chair of the Colorado River Board of California

Applicants should have about five years’ experience working on water issues, with at least three of them involving Colorado River Basin issues. The program is geared toward early to mid-career professionals working at state and federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Reclamation, water and irrigation districts, tribal nations, environmental groups, agricultural interests, private companies and nongovernmental organizations. 

Cohorts have included lawyers, scientists, engineers, educational and communication specialists, environmental advocates, farmers, planners, legislative aides and tribal members or those who work for tribes on water issues.

During the program, each Water Leader is paired with a mentor who is a leading Colorado River expert and, with their cohort, develops a policy paper on an assigned topic.

The 2026 program will begin with an orientation and dinner in Las Vegas on March 10 before the three-day Lower Colorado River Tour, March 11-13, and will conclude at our Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe, Sept. 22-25, where the cohort will announce their policy recommendations.

Go to our application page to find out how to apply and get more details, including tuition for the program.