It’s never too early to start thinking about applying for our preeminent water leadership programs.

The Water Education Foundation has run the William R. Gianelli Water Leaders class since 1997, and launched a similar biennial program for the Colorado River Basin in 2022.

Both programs will be accepting applications for the 2024 cohorts starting in the fall. 

The goal of both programs is to build a network of water leaders from diverse backgrounds who will deepen their water knowledge, build their leadership skills and learn to take a collaborative approach to decision-making about water resources.

Participants go on tours, attend conferences, spend time with a mentor who is a leading expert and develop a policy paper on an assigned topic.

Ideal Applicants

Consider now whether you or someone at your organization is an emerging leader in their early to mid-career and would be a good fit for one the programs. Ideally, they have spent at least five years working on water issues in California or across the Colorado River Basin for the respective programs.

Participants have come from a variety of organizations, such as water and irrigation districts, environmental groups, agricultural interests, tribal nations, law and engineering firms, nongovernmental organizations, and state and federal agencies such as the Bureau of Reclamation.

Those interested should sign up for our announcements to find out when applications are available and when we host virtual question-and-answer sessions. Our application pages will include more details about the program requirements and tuition as well as frequently asked questions.

Water Leader Alums - Stay Connected!

Since 1997, nearly 500 engineers, farmers, environmentalists, lawyers and others have graduated from our William R. Gianelli Water Leaders program across California. In 2022, we graduated our first Colorado River cohort. 

If you are a graduate of either program, check out our alumni network webpage to help participants get connected and keep in touch.

There, you can find out how to update your contact information if you have changed jobs since you participated in the program. You can also join the Water Leaders alumni group on LinkedIn for continued networking and collaborative opportunities among graduates.