This application page provides information about timing for the 2026 Colorado River Water Leaders program, and gives step-by-step instructions on how to apply by Jan. 26, 2026.

The program’s goal is to build a network of water leaders from diverse backgrounds across the basin who will deepen their knowledge of the iconic Southwestern river, build their leadership skills, and learn how to understand other perspectives and work collaboratively. Read more about the program.

Participants in the 2026 program:

• Attend a kick-off orientation on March 10 in Las Vegas with an orientation & dinner followed by the Lower Colorado River Tour, March 11-13
• Are paired with a mentor who is a leading Colorado River expert
• Attend virtual work group meetings and one in-person meeting in  with their cohort in July to develop policy recommendations on an assigned topic
• Participate in our Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe Sept. 22-25

“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

Acceptance to the program is extremely competitive and requires a commitment of time from those applying and their organizations. Click here for mandatory program dates & expectations.

Read below to learn what you need to submit by 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Jan. 26, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 cohort.

Get tips on how to apply:

Get an overview of the program and tips on applying by signing up for a virtual Q&A session via Zoom on Dec. 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time). 

Who should apply:

The program is geared toward emerging leaders who are early to mid-career and work on water issues in the Colorado River Basin.

Applicants should have about five years’ experience in a water-related profession, with at least three of those involving the Colorado River directly. 

Applicants can work for a state agency involved in water or a federal agency such as the Bureau of Reclamation or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; a nongovernmental organization; a water or irrigation district; a private company, or be a member of a tribal nation, or work on a tribe’s water issues.

Past cohorts have included lawyers, scientists, engineers, educational and communication specialists, environmental advocates, tribal members, farmers, planners and legislative aides. 

Send any questions to Executive Director Jenn Bowles via email.

How to apply by Jan. 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time):

Step 1: Read the program requirements above and the FAQs below to determine if you can meet the time commitment for the 2026 cohort. In addition, make sure you have the support of your organization to apply.

Step 2: Fill out the online application form here.

Step 3: After filling out the form, submit the following documents in one email to Marilyn Lapkass at mlapkass@watereducation.org with the subject line, 2026 Colorado River Water Leaders Application.

• A one-page written statement addressed to the selection committee describing why you are interested in participating in the program and what makes you a great candidate.
• Your resume.
• A reference letter addressed to the selection committee from your employer/supervisor that explains their support for the time commitment of the program and why they are supporting you specifically.
• A statement of financial need if you are applying for a scholarship. Please first ask your organization if they can pay the tuition as scholarship funds are limited.

Step 4: Send a nonrefundable application fee of $35:

• Use the credit card link in the confirmation email after you submit the application form. 
• Or send a check to the attention of the Colorado River Water Leaders Program at this address: Water Education Foundation, 2151 River Plaza Road, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95833

Remember: All items of your application package must be submitted by 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Jan. 26, 2026!

FAQs and mandatory program dates:

What is the total time commitment for the program? Roughly 15 days from March through September, plus time to work on the cohort project.

This includes:

• A cohort orientation and our Lower Colorado River Tour - March 10-13 (4 days)
• A shadow day and interview with a mentor TBD (1.5 days)
• Two virtual workgroup meetings – April 2 and Aug. 13 (2 days)
• Virtual social – June 4 (1.5 hours)
• One in-person workgroup meeting in Sacramento – July 14-16  (3 days, which includes time for travel)
• Virtual presentation prep – Sept. 15 (2 hours in the afternoon)
• The Foundation’s Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe - Sept. 22-25 (4 days)
• In addition, there will be informal virtual gatherings to work on a policy paper, mainly in the summer months

What is the attendance policy? Water Leaders are expected to attend all meetings and events that are part of the program. Only verified health emergencies will be considered for missing any component of the program.

What is the class project? The Water Leaders cohort is tasked with writing a white paper with policy recommendations on an assigned topic and deciding how to present it at our 2026 Colorado River Symposium.

What is the assigned topic for the year? The topic is chosen by the Foundation and is announced during the orientation in Las Vegas.

Who are the mentors for the cohort? Mentors are top leaders in the Basin and have included former Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman, former Denver Water head Jim Lochhead and Taylor Hawes of the Nature Conservancy.

Do I get to choose my mentor? Mentors are assigned to you by the Foundation. The assignment is designed to allow you to learn about an area of the water world different from your own background or current place of employment. This is an opportunity to broaden your perspective, know another aspect of water resources and further grow your network.

What does my tuition include? Tuition includes registration for the Lower Colorado River Tour and the Colorado River Symposium (including hotel rooms during the tour and the Symposium, plus all meals on tour and most meals at the Symposium). Transportation to and from the events, including the Sacramento work group meeting in the summer, is not included.

What is the timeline for applications? All application materials and the $35 fee are due on January 26, 2026, at 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Candidates can expect to be notified of selection status in early February.

Selection committee:

Our selection committee reviews applications with an eye toward those applicants who have:

• A commitment to understanding water issues and a career in a water-related field
• A commitment to the community through volunteer activities
• An interest in seeking leadership roles on public boards and commissions, and/or an interest in opportunities for advancement to key leadership roles within their own organizations

Tuition & scholarship funding:

Tuition for the 2026 program will be:

• $4,800 for Foundation member organizations, tribal members and those working at state and federal agencies or NGOs.
• $5,300 for non-member organizations.
• If you are unsure about your organization’s membership, reach out to Marilyn Lapkass.

Tuition includes the cost of the Lower Colorado River Tour and hotels and meals once on the tour; and includes the registration fee, hotel cost and most meals for the Colorado River Symposium in Santa Fe. Travel costs to and from the tour, the Sacramento work group meeting and Symposium are not included.

We have a limited amount of scholarship funding. If you are applying for a scholarship, you also must include a statement of financial need as part of your application package.