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

Our biennial program, part of our Colorado River Project, 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 – to take part in a 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. 

“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 be in their early to mid-career professionals in water-related organizations, including: 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, tribal members or those who work for tribes on water issues; planners and legislative aides. 

Acceptance to the program is highly competitive. Sign up for our virtual Q&A session on Dec. 7 at 12:30 p.m. (MT) / 11:30 a.m. (PT) if you are interested in applying or sponsoring a candidate from your organization. Applications are due Jan. 22, 2024.

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

The program will begin with an orientation and dinner in Las Vegas the evening of March 12 before the three-day Lower Colorado River Tour, March 13-15, and will conclude at our Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe, Sept. 24-27, where members of 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.