How to Apply

Applications for WLI 2026 will open November 3rd through January 15th.

For the 2026 WLI, attendance at our in-person trainings is mandatory*. There will be a two-day training in Arlington, VA May 5-6, with optional half-day May 4. We will also have a one-day workshop at WEFTEC on Sunday, September 27 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 2026 application will be reviewed based on your answer to the following five questions and reference letter.

We want to hear your authentic voice, so usage of AI is discouraged.  The scores are not based on your grammar, and we understand that English may not be your first language, that is ok, the goal is to get to know you better.  Pure AI applications will be flagged and disqualified.  Not sure where to start, pretend someone asked you these questions out loud and write what you’d say.

1. WHO ARE YOU?: We want to know more about you. Tell us about yourself, what is your job, how did you get there, and what do you like to do outside of work? [Consider including information related to your career path, current employer, job function(s), education, extracurricular activities, and/or hobbies]. (100 Word Limit)
   
   
2. TELL US WHY YOU’RE APPLYING: Why are you applying for the 2026 Water Leadership Institute and what makes you the ideal candidate for this community? (100 Word Limit)
   
   
3. TELL US HOW YOU ARE INVOLVED: Give us an example(s) of how you are a leader in your community? It could be professional or personal and you don’t need to have an official title. [consider describing your membership(s)/ committee involvement(s) in detail. This can also include school programs, and/or your roles in your community, family, professional, or other organizations; as applicable, highlight your accomplishments]. (100 Word Limit)
   
   
4. WHO INSPIRES YOU?: Think about a leader in your professional life who inspires you. Give one example of their leadership style and how you hope to emulate that in your own leadership journey. (100 Word Limit)
   
   
5. TELL US: Describe a time you were part of a team (whether you were the leader or not) and you all did not meet the objective. (200 Word Limit)
   Consider including:
   1. What caused the team to not meet the objective?
   2. What could the team leader have done differently to help the team succeed?
   3. If you had to do it again, what would you have done differently?
   4. What did you learn from that experience that you apply to future projects?
6.  

See Grading Rubric

Please provide a 1-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 2026 will open November 3, 2025.

Download "The Employer's Guide to WLI" to help explain what your participation means to your employer for approval.

*In-person attendance is mandatory, assuming events will still be held in person. If we must convert to virtual in 2026, then we will strive to keep the virtual dates over the same time-period.