Join a virtual Q&A session on Nov. 9 to get an overview of our popular but competitive Water Leaders program and tips on applying for the 2023 cohort.

The Water Leaders program is aimed at providing a deeper understanding of California water issues and building leadership skills with class members by studying a water-related topic in-depth and working with a mentor. 

The deadline to apply for the 2023 class is Dec. 7, 2022, at 5 p.m. The 10-month program starts with a mandatory orientation on Jan. 26, 2023.

Find the online application form and other required items for your application package here. Remember, this is a competitive program so make your application your best effort.

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 business 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 attend 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 $4,500, and covers all events and tours required under the program.

A limited amount of scholarship funding is available. Employees of a public member agency of the Association of California Water Agencies may apply for the John P. Fraser Water Leaders Fellowship. Special consideration will be given to ACWA member agencies with 100 or fewer employees; with annual adjusted operating budgets of less than $10 million; and without (or with limited) budgets for professional development.