Students & Young Professionals

Image of students and young professionals volunteering at the WEF Community Service Project

Students & Young Professionals

WEF’s programs, resources, and networking give students and young professionals the keys to launch and develop a successful career in the water sector.

Program and Opportunities for Students & Young Professionals

Community Service Project

Since 2008, the WEF Community Service Project has made a significant impact on several WEFTEC host cities.

More About the Project

Outstanding Young Water Environment Professional Award

This award is presented for significant contributions to the Water Environment Federation and to the wastewater collection and treatment sector.

More About the Award

Student Design Competition

The WEF Student Design Competition promotes real-world design experience for students interested in pursuing education and careers in water and wastewater engineering and science.

More About the Competition

YP Summit

The WEF/AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Summit is the premier water and wastewater industry workshop for young professionals.

More About the Summit

Image of a large group of high school student participants at the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Held since 1997, the SJWP is the world’s most prestigious award presented to a high school student for a water-research project.

More About SJWP

Springboard

The WEF YP Springboard Program provides travel expense assistance for the selected YPs to attend the Winter Meeting.

More About Springboard

WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship

This scholarship provides $25,000 for a post-baccalaureate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education related expenses.

More About Canham Scholarship

Mentorship Program

The purpose of this program is to provide rising WEF members with an avenue to connect with leaders outside of their own organization to discuss growth in both career and personal development.

More About Mentorship

Water Palooza

Water Palooza brings together water-conscious organizations and companies to educate elementary school students about the value of water through hands-on and demonstrative activities.

More About Water Palooza

Young Professional (YP) Utility Scholarship

WEF awards five scholarships to young professionals (YPs) working for a utility in North America. The purpose of this scholarship program is to help YPs learn about what being part of the WEF Utility Management Community (UMC) entails and to increase YP involvement within this community.

Update: The application deadline has passed for the 2026 program.

YP Utility Scholarship

Find Your Related Communities

Image of 3 students at WEFTEC

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY

This community encourages and facilitates student and YP involvement in WEF and Member Associations through professional development and leadership opportunities. The SYPC is made up of students, young professionals, academics, and water quality professionals.

More About the SYP Community

STUDENT CHAPTERS

WEF Student Chapters are professional organizations based at colleges and universities for students with an interest in the environment or becoming more active in the water sector.

More About Student Chapters

Where the Water Community Connects

See how WEF connects the people and ideas driving clean water and public health. Membership gives you access to benefits, resources, and a network committed to impact.

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