Water Leadership Institute
The Water Leadership Institute program educates, trains, and provides opportunities that enable developing and emerging leaders to build strong lasting relationships within the water industry.
This intensive program allows participants the opportunity to engage in management training and leadership development through a blended learning approach that includes the examination of complex challenges facing the water and wastewater industries and networking with public and private sector practitioners. Participants will build skills and knowledge needed to affect change within their organizations. Participation in this program is determined by a competitive application process.
The 2024 Application Period Opens November 1st
Please note: If this is your first time applying, you will need to create a new account.
Support the WLI Today! Use this form to make a tax-deductible individual or corporate donation. This will will help ensure we can keep bringing top presenters to the program.
How to Apply Curriculum Scholarships Tuition FAQs Final Projects
How to Apply
For the 2024 WLI, attendance at our in-person trainings is mandatory*. There will be a two-day training in Alexandria, VA May 9-10, with optional half-day May 8. We will also have a one-day workshop at WEFTEC on Sunday, Oct. 6 in New Orleans. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis and must be discussed before you accept your position in the program. If your company cannot support the tuition/travel costs, there is an option to be considered for a scholarship in the application process.
The 2024 application will be reviewed based on the answer to the following five questions and reference letter.
- WHO ARE YOU?:Let us know who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what gets you out of bed in the morning. [Consider including information related to your education, career path, current employer, job function(s), extracurricular activities, and/or hobbies]. (100 Word Limit)
- TELL US WHY YOU’RE APPLYING: Why are you applying for the 2024 Water Leadership Institute and what do you hope to gain and give by graduating from this program? (100 Word Limit)
- TELL US HOW YOU ARE GIVING BACK:Tell us about your extracurricular involvement in your community or industry [consider including your membership(s), committee involvement(s), school programs, and/or your roles in community, family, professional, or other organizations; as applicable highlight your accomplishments]. (100 Word Limit)
- WHO INSPIRES YOU?:Share your perspectives with us about a person or leader in your life who inspires you to be the best you can be. Tell us how they have impacted you, your career, and what you admire about them and their leadership style. (100 Word Limit)
- TELL US: List three challenges water leaders face today. Picking the one that you are most passionate about, describe how a leader can address or overcome this challenge? (150 Word Limit)
Please provide a one-page letter of reference from an individual (relatives are excluded) that has direct experience with your leadership qualities, characteristics, and capabilities. This letter should include at least two reasons why you should be accepted into this program. Note: The file should be uploaded as a pdf and named: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_RefLetter.
The 2024 Application Period Opens November 1st
*In-person attendance is mandatory, assuming events will still be held in person. If we must convert to virtual in 2024, then we will strive to keep the virtual dates over the same time-period.
Download "The Employer's Guide to WLI" to help explain what your participation means to your employer for approval.
Curriculum
- Webcast training (monthly)
- In-depth kick off session
- Two Day Workshop in Alexandria, VA
- Monthly small group chats on differing topics
- WLI Community activity throughout the program
- Ability to engage with WLI alumni and leaders in the water sector
- Final Project
- Final wrap up workshop at activity at WEFTEC 2024
Below you will find some dates for the 2024 program using the topics from 2023. Every year, the steering committee works to update the topics to ensure they are relevant. You can see 2023's full program at the link below for reference.
Scholarships
The scholarship will be given annually to one participant in the Water Leadership Institute and highlights George’s commitment to developing future water sector leaders. This scholarship will cover the program’s full tuition.
The WEF Board has approved additional funds which will allow us to offer additional scholarships this year. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition cost, and are need based. Funds will be allocated after the participants have been accepted to the program. The amount will be deducted from the tuition invoice. The total amount of funds available in 2024 is a max of 6 full scholarships.
To apply for the scholarship, you just need to answer the questions included in the WLI application. There is no need to submit a second document. Scholarships will be evaluated after the deadline for application submission has passed.
Tuition and Other Requirements
$1,235
This fee includes a full conference registration to WEFTEC 2024 in New Orleans (a $725 value), access to 6 live webcasts (a $240 value), and the two-day workshop in Alexandria (a $400 value). In addition, it includes monthly group chats, homework assignments, and putting together the final project. Program participants are responsible for all their own travel and hotel costs, as well as any fees for calling in from a phone.
For the 2024 WLI, attendance at our in-person trainings is mandatory. There will be a two-day training in Alexandria, VA, May 9-10 with an optional half-day event on May 8. We will also have a one-day workshop at WEFTEC on Sunday, Oct. 6, in New Orleans. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis and must be approved before you accept your position in the program. Please check with your company about their support (financially and time wise) before you apply to ensure you can get the most out of the program.
FAQs
Application
Q: Who should apply?
A: All professionals in the water sector (drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater), such as utility staff, consulting engineers or service providers, regulators, academics, admin, or equipment manufacturers, are encouraged to apply. The Water Leadership Institute is a program for emerging leaders in the water sector, which may include young professionals, career changers, and veterans, for example. For seasoned utility management professionals looking to move to Executive Management Positions, please see the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center.
Q: When is the application due?
A: The 2024 application will open November 1, 2023.
Please note: If this is your first time applying, you will need to create a new account.
Q: How should I best answer the questions on the application?
A: The steering committee is looking to get to know you. The best applications are often personal, in first person, and give an insight into who you are as a person.
Q: What if I'm just starting out and have no leadership experience yet?
A: That is not a problem! Whether you were officially the leader or not, you've likely had some kind of leadership experience you can share. This could be in your personal, academic, or professional life. Let us know what you've done and what you're hoping to learn.
Q: Do I have to be a member of the Water Environment Federation to apply and participate?
A: No, you do not have to be a WEF member to apply to the WLI.
Q: My employer has questions, what should I tell them?
A: The WLI Steering Committee has developed "The Employer's Guide to WLI" to help explain what your participation means. Please feel free to download it and send it to your employer for approval.
Tuition/Fees
Q: Is there a fee for the program?
A: There is no fee to apply to the program.
If you are accepted, you or your organization will be invoiced $1,235 for the program. This fee includes a full conference registration to WEFTEC 2024 in New Orleans (a $725 value), access to 6 live webcasts (a $240 value), and the two-day workshop in Alexandria (a $400 value). In addition, it includes monthly group chats, homework assignments, and putting together the final project. Program participants are responsible for all their own travel and hotel costs, as well as any fees for calling in from a phone.
Q: When will I get the invoice? When do I ned to pay?
A: You will receive an invoice shortly after you confirm your position in the Water Leadership Institute. This is often early April.
Once you recieve the invoice, you will have 30 days to pay. If this timeline is not possible, you must make special arrangements with WEF.
Q: Is there any funding assistance available?
A: In October 2017, the WEF Board created the George S. Hawkins Scholarship to the WEF Water Leadership Institute. The scholarship will be given annually to one participant in the Water Leadership Institute and highlights George’s commitment to developing future water sector leaders. This scholarship will cover the program’s full tuition.
The WEF Board has approved additional funds which will allow us to offer additional scholarships this year. These scholarships cover part or all of the tuition cost, and are need based. Funds will be allocated after the participants have been accepted to the program. The amount will be deducted from the tuition invoice. The total amount of funds available in 2024 is a max of 6 full scholarships.
All scholarships should be applied for via the application to the WLI.
Program Information
Q: How much of a time commitment is the program?
A: This course runs from April 2024 - October 2024. There are six live webcasts throughout the months that last 1.5 hours. In addition, there is a group chat for 45 minutes each month. The in-person compontent (will be moved to virtual if the pandemic requires it) consists of a 2.5 day workshop in Alexandria May 9-10 with an optional half day event on May 8, and a 1 full day workshop at WEFTEC 2024 in New Orleans, Oct. 6.
In addition, you will have to complete a final group project with deliverables throughout the course. Participants have often held weekly meetings for 30-60 mins. In recent years, a portion of the final project work has continued after the official end of the program and resulted in articles in the WE&T as well as webcast series with live dates after WEFTEC.
Q: Who will I be learning from?
A: The curriculum will be delivered by high caliber guest instructors from water and wastewater utilities and companies active in the sector. Guest lecturers from government agencies, communication firms and financial groups will also share their knowledge and experience.
Q: What kind of equipment will I need to participate in the in the monthly web meetings?
A: The web based meetings will be conducted using Teams and Zoom. You will need a computer with and internet connection for the web meetings. You will need computer speakers to use the Voice over IP audio function. You will also need internet access for readings viewing and online forum participation.
Q: What is the goal of the Water Leadership Institute?
A: As the water sector faces challenges from aging infrastructure, climate change, financial constraints, and increased demands, professionals who can develop and implement solutions to these issues are needed. The Water Leadership Institute is designed to encourage networking, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional commitment from those individuals who will be leading the water sector into the coming decades, to preserve and enhance water resources for our current generation, as well as future generations.
Q: Who should I contact regarding the Water Leadership Institute?
A: Julianne Jones at WLI@wef.org
WLI Final Projects
Each year the final project is a major part of the Water Leadership Institute. For the last few years, the cohort is divided into nine groups to work on different aspects of leadership. Each group consists of people working in different states/countries as well as types of jobs in the water industry.
Some have done webcasts, created training material/games, and even youtube videos. While the live dates have passed, you can still access all the information and register for free to get them. Learn more below and click on each underlined title to learn more and register.
WLI23 Overcoming Today's Workforce Challenges Series
The WLI23 cohort developed a three-part webcast series on Overcoming Today's Workforce Challenges and Preparing for the Future. The leaders in our water industry are facing more unique challenges today than they ever have in the past. Noting the changes in our workforce, world impacts from COVID, the rapid growth of technology, and the increased complexity in our water challenges. Join us as we delve into several thought-provoking topics.
- Navigating Recruitment, Awareness, and Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
- Retaining Talent, Combating Quiet Quitting, and Fostering Collaboration
- The Importance of Filling the Knowledge Gap, Collaborative Decision Making, and Culture & Advocacy
WLI22 Authentic Leadership Series
The WLI22 cohort developed three webcasts and training materials for each of the nine tenets of Authentic Leadership: Communication, Connection, Recognize & Appreciate, Trust, Emotional Intelligence, Being a Catalyst, Being a Mentor, Empowerment, and Walking the Talk. Register to access recordings and training documents. Also, watch out for columns on each of the tenets in the WE&T in 2023.
- Build a Foundation: Communicate, Connect, and Recognize & Appreciate
- Achieve Results: Foster Trust, Increase your Emotional Intelligence, and be a Catalyst
- Be the Difference: Mentor, Empower, and Walk the Talk
WLI21 Change Leadership Series
As part of their final project, the WLI21 cohort developed a YouTube series focusing on different aspects of Change Leadership in the water sector where each group focused on a single area of excellence. Created in TED-Talk style, each group created two videos expanding on each of the nine topics. All eighteen videos have been released and are linked below. You can still register to watch the roundtable discussions which delve into the topics further.
Change Leadership YouTube Series
WLI20 Community Outreach Series
As part of their final project, the WLI20 cohort developed a five-part webcast series focusing on different aspects of the water industry and developed outreach activities for different age groups that you can use in your own community. Join us for part or all of the series to learn how to better connect with your community and bring in the next generation of water professionals.
This series has information and outreach activities on the following topics. Register for each to access the recording and outreach activities.
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