Applications are now available for our yearlong Water Leaders class.

One of our most popular programs, the Water Leaders class is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of California water issues and building leadership skills with class members attending water tours, studying a water-related topic in-depth and working with a mentor. 

You can apply for the 2020 class starting today; the deadline is Dec. 9. Download an application here. First, make sure to read tips on completing an application for the competitive program.

Among other things, members of the Water Leaders class:

• Attend our annual Water 101 Workshop to get a statewide understanding of the historical, legal and management aspects of water in California.
• Spend a day “shadowing” a mentor, who is a major water leader from government, urban, agriculture, environmental organization, private businesses or public interest group.
• Interview the mentor about an issue selected for the class project.
• Present policy findings to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

In addition, class members get out of the office to see water issues up close by attending two of our popular water tours, including the mandatory Bay-Delta Tour to learn about the hub of the state’s water system and the largest estuary of its kind in western North America.

The application carries a $35 nonrefundable fee. Tuition for the year is $4,250. New for the 2020 class is the John P. Fraser Water Leaders Fellowship, which will be awarded to an employee of a public member agency of the Association of California Water Agencies. Applicants for this fellowship must first apply through the Foundation’s application process and be selected by the Foundation for the competitive program before ACWA’s selection committee makes a final decision on who receives the fellowship. More details are here.