A Touch of Water Short Program

A Touch of Water Short Program introduces youth to career pathways in the water sector, showing how their unique interests and talents can translate into meaningful future opportunities.

Program Overview

A multi-session student experience that goes beyond awareness and focuses more on application—connecting how water systems work together with career pathways and giving students the chance to see how their talents and interests fit into specific water industry positions.

Program Photos
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Phases

Part 1: Water Career Nexus

Students explore how water systems rely on a wide range of careers working together to ensure safe, reliable water. The goal is to build a foundational understanding of how the industry functions as a whole and where different roles fit within it.

Students reflect on their current skills, interests, and strengths, and explore how they translate into real-world roles within the water industry. Through guided activities, they discover careers from science and engineering to operations, communications, and more. Students begin to see personalized pathways, connecting who they are now to potential futures in the sector.

Students step into the role of water professionals to address realistic water industry scenarios. They evaluate problems, consider multiple perspectives, and develop solutions while practicing collaboration, communication, and analytical thinking — skills essential across all water careers.

Students hear directly from water industry professionals representing a variety of roles and career pathways. Panelists share their experiences, educational journeys, and insights into their day-to-day work. This interactive session allows students to ask questions, gain mentorship, and better understand opportunities within the field.

Students participate in a field experience at a local water site, followed by reflection and assessment activities that link their observations to career pathways and support them in articulating their interests and future steps.

Program Benefits

Integration

Hands-on project-based learning that easily integrates into curriculum and aligns with NGSS standards

Connection

Connects students with community through public outreach

Career Exposure

Exposes students to career pathways including municipal public works, water agencies, and environmental engineering firms

Technical Skills

Develops critical data analysis and engineering design skills

Passion and Confidence

Develops passion for environmental leadership as well as confidence in public speaking

Experience

Builds experiences and skills for resumes and applications

Program Features

Comprehensive educational materials customized for the local watershed, school site, teacher, and experience level of students

Digital files customized with information from local agencies, along with water systems and local environmental concerns

Continued 1:1 teacher consultation with certified water quality expert

Includes all necessary equipment for school site water testing, with personal protective equipment for class

Final report development materials and presentation planning