Known for our popular Water Leaders program in California – about to mark its 25th anniversary – we are now launching a Colorado River Water Leaders program in 2022, the 100th anniversary of the Colorado River Compact.

The biennial program will select rising stars from the seven U.S. states that rely on the river – California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico – to participate in the seven-month class designed for working professionals. Class members will explore issues surrounding the iconic Southwest river, deepen their water knowledge and build leadership skills. 

Applicants should be in their early to mid-career at state and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Reclamation, water and irrigation districts, tribal nations, environmental groups, agricultural interests, private companies and nongovernmental organizations. 

Acceptance to the program is extremely competitive. Sign up for our virtual Q&A session on Dec. 21 if you are interested in applying or sponsoring a candidate from your organization. Applications are due Jan. 28.

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

The program will begin with a reception in Las Vegas the evening before the three-day Lower Colorado River Tour, March 16-18, and will conclude at our Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe, Sept. 21-23, where members of the cohort will announce their policy recommendations.

Tuition for the program is $4,500 and includes registration for the tour and the symposium, including hotels and most meals once the events start. The tuition does not cover transportation to and from the events. 

A limited amount of need-based scholarship funding will be available.

To get more information on the inaugural Colorado River program and application materials to submit by Jan. 28, click here.

Explore our main Water Leaders page to get a feel for our California program, its topic assignments and cohort members.

If you have any questions about the Colorado River program, send them via email to Executive Director Jenn Bowles.