What is Water 101 Academy?
The Water 101 Academy aims to educate, inspire, and empower a diverse group of community members who will advocate for safe, clean water and promote environmental stewardship in their communities. The academy is a free program for residents of Santa Clara County, ages 18 and older. Each year, the Board of Directors selects three candidates from their district from the pool of applicants to create a 21-member cohort.
Through four webinar sessions, participants will learn about the local water system and Valley Water's role in providing safe, clean water. They will also receive in-depth information on current and future water projects in their communities. The academy also includes an in-person tour of various water infrastructure projects throughout the county.
Graduates of this academy will become Water Ambassadors, a network of well-informed community advocates who help raise awareness and address misinformation on important water issues, promote available resources, and assist with Valley Water initiatives such as creek cleanups and flood preparedness outreach.
The application period for the Class of 2025 Water 101 Academy is now closed and will open again in Fall 2024. If you would like to be notified when the application period opens, please complete the Water 101 Academy Interest Form: https://forms.gle/w5Gvk9XuWD6X9ra67
Participant Requirements
- Participants must be residents of Santa Clara County.
- Participants must plan to attend all five (5) sessions.
- Session 1: Thursday, April 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
- Session 2: Thursday, April 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
- Session 3: Thursday, May 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
- Session 4: Thursday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
- Session 5: Saturday, June 1, time TBD (in-person)
- Graduation: Tuesday, June 4, 5:30-7:30 (in-person at Valley Waters HQ: 5700 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95123)
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
- Participants must complete 80% of the program to receive the certificate of completion.
- Participants must remain active Water Ambassadors for at least two (2) years after graduation.
- Participate in one (1) or more water/environmental stewardship initiatives per year.
- Complete the annual program survey.