Overview:
Embarking on a groundbreaking initiative, Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program proudly unveils its innovative Water Works Program—a pioneering water industry education and career development initiative designed to empower students and cultivate a skilled workforce for the future. Open to enthusiastic learners from all backgrounds, this program is set to revolutionize how individuals engage with the water industry.
Goals:
- Partner with local community-based agencies to select college students from designated majors to participate in the program with an emphasis on students who live or attend college in Santa Clara County and are low-income or first-generation college students.
- Participants can earn $2,000 upon program completion, gaining valuable skills and experience in the water sector.
Program Outcomes:
- The Water Works Academy: Introduces students to the world of water by offering a comprehensive curriculum that explores Valley Water, local water issues and the intricacies of current and upcoming water projects within their communities. Career preparation, leadership, and networking skills will also be utilized to develop participants' career readiness. This immersive experience aims to foster a profound understanding of the significance of water management and conservation.
- Guaranteed Summer Internship: As a testament to our commitment to hands-on learning, the Water Works Program guarantees participants a coveted summer internship within the water industry. Interns will gain 1:1 mentoring, professional career development training, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. Additionally, they will receive a competitive pay rate of $26.31 per hour, ensuring that their dedication is rewarded both academically and financially.
- Financial Aid Stipend: Recognizing the financial challenges students may face, the Water Works Program proudly offers a generous stipend of $2000 to participants. This financial support is designed to ease the various challenges linked to the pursuit of educational and career advancement. Emphasizing its dedication to promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal educational access, the Water Works Program strives to empower students by offering this significant stipend. This initiative enables students to surmount financial barriers, instilling confidence as they actively pursue their academic aspirations.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Eligibility:
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Participants must be a part of a community-based organization/student support program for underrepresented students and must show proof by attaching a letter of verification written by an advisor/program staff.
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What’s a letter of verification?
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A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program advisor/staff written on official letterhead.
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The letter should state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, and contact information as well as the student’s name, major, name of organization, and connection to organization/program.
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Participants must be an incoming third-year (current second-year student and will be a third-year student by Fall 2025) or above enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate-level community college or university for Fall 2025.
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Participants must attend all five (5) virtual sessions for the Water Works Academy.
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These sessions are held every other Friday on Zoom from 3:00pm – 5:30pm commencing February 28th and concluding April 25, 2025, with an in-person graduation date set for May 9, 2025.
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Participants must reside within 150 miles of the Valley Water office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of the summer internship.
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Participants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the Summer Internship Program
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May 27 through August 15, 2025 (Semester Students)
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June 16 through September 5, 2025 (Quarter Students)
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Preferred Qualifications:
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Students interested in pursuing a career within the water industry.
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Students passionate for serving the community & providing excellent service to all customers.
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Abilities to demonstrate Zoom etiquette during Water Works Academy Sessions.
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Willing and able to participate, engage, and collaborate in Water Works Academy Sessions.
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Able to share and promote the Next Gen Career Pathways Water Work’s Program to selected audiences.
Program Timeline
Application Process
Application Period:
Applications will open on Monday - December 2, 2024 and close on Friday - December 20, 2024 11:59 PM PST (2 week period)
Where to apply:
Apply online at Valley Water's Government Jobs/Careers website!
https://governmentjobs.com/careers/scvwd
Water Works Overview Information Sessions
Student Information Sessions:
Target Audience: Students that are part of a student support/student affairs or community-based organization for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented student communities.
Join us to learn more about the Water Works program and how it can benefit your career pathway!
Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/88645468793?pwd=XYGxZFiaPR8NJKRo2vljNaFuxPOSCz.1
| Student Information Session #1 | Tuesday - November 19, 2024 | 10:00am-11:00am |
| Student Information Session #2 | Wednesday - November 20, 2024 | 11:00am-12:00pm |
| Student Information Session #3 | Friday - November 22, 2024 | 2:00pm-3:00pm |
Community Round Table Information Sessions:
Target Audience: Professionals in student support/student affairs or community-based organizations serving first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented student communities providing academic or growth development support.
Join us to learn more about the Water Works program and how it can benefit the students you work with!
Zoom Link: https://valleywater.zoom.us/j/87934928414?pwd=vyY5BWiAxbiS3507hSpVc6ep8ssayz.1
2024 Water Works Academy & Career Development Session Topics:
- Valley Water and Next Gen Career Pathways Program Overview, Participant Expectations, and Goal Setting
Career Development Topic: Goal Setting
- Water Utility Enterprise - Providing a clean, reliable water supply for current and future generations of Santa Clara County
Career Development Topic: Elevator Pitch Preparation
- Guardians of the Flow: Navigating Flood Protections and Water Resource Planning
Career Development Topic: Resume Review
- Environmental Stewardship
Career Development: Creating Your Brand
- Water Conservation and External Affairs
Career Development Topic: Capstone Presentations
- Water Works Graduation
