Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program is proud to host Water Works, an innovative education and career-development initiative that opens doors to one of California’s most vital industries.
Designed for curious, motivated students from all backgrounds, Water Works combines classroom learning, hands-on experiences, and professional mentorship to help participants discover rewarding careers in water management, human resources, engineering, environmental science, communications, and more.
By bringing together education, real-world projects, and expert guidance, the program empowers the next generation of water leaders to gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to make a difference in their communities and the environment.
Whether you’re exploring your first career option or looking to grow in a field that matters, Water Works gives you the tools and support to succeed.
Goals:
- Offer mentorship and professional development opportunities through customized sessions that combine water industry topics with career development workshops to help students develop skills, expand networks, and gain confidence for long-term career success.
- Partner with local community-based agencies to recruit college students for the Water Works Program, focusing on those who live or study in Santa Clara County and demonstrate a strong dedication to community service.
- Participants can earn $2,000 after finishing the entire program while gaining valuable skills, experience, and knowledge.
Program Outcomes:
- The Water Works Program: Introduces college 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 comprehensive understanding of the significance of water management and conservation.
- Guaranteed Summer Internship: The Water Works Program guarantees participants a summer internship within Valley Water. Interns will receive one-on-one mentoring, professional career development training, and contribute to ongoing projects. Additionally, summer interns will receive a competitive pay rate of $28.27 per hour. To learn more about our college summer internship program, click here.
- Financial Aid Stipend: The Water Works Program offers a stipend of $2,000 to participants who complete the program. This financial support is designed to ease the various challenges linked to the pursuit of educational and career advancement.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Eligibility:
- Participants must be part of a community-based organization/student support program and must be receiving a form of support (educational/academic or career) from the program. Participants must show proof by attaching a letter of verification to the Water Works Program application written by an advisor/program staff.
- What’s a letter of verification? A letter of verification is written by your community-based organization/student support program advisor/staff, written on official letterhead. The letter must state the organization/program’s name, counselor/staff’s name, title, contact information, the student’s name, major, and connection to the organization/program.
- Participants must be undergraduate applicants who are enrolled in an accredited community college or college/university and have completed at least two full-time years of study (i.e., entering their third or fourth year) by Fall 2026, or have graduated within the past six months.
- Participants must attend all five (5) virtual sessions for the Water Works Academy.
- These sessions are held every other Friday on Zoom from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, starting February 27 and ending April 24, 2026, with an in-person graduation date set for May 8, 2026.
- Participants must reside within 150 miles of the Valley Water office (5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA) for the duration of the summer internship.
- Participants must be able to work full-time (40 hours/week) for the duration of the Summer Internship Program (Tentative)
- May 26 through August 14, 2026 (Semester Students)
- June 15 through September 4, 2026 (Quarter Students)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Students interested in pursuing a career within the water industry.
- Students passionate about serving the community & providing excellent service to all customers.
- Ability to demonstrate Zoom etiquette during Water Works Programs
- Willing and able to participate, engage, and collaborate in Water Works Programs
- Able to share and promote the Next Gen Career Pathways Water Work Program to selected audiences.
Program Timeline
| Applications Open | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
| Applications Close | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| Blind Screening/Interview Selection | January 5 – January 19, 2026 |
| Interviews | January 26 – February 6, 2026 |
| Cohort Confirmed | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Water Works Program Session #1 | Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Water Works Program Session #2 | Friday, March 13, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Water Works Program Session #3 | Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Water Works Program Session #4 | Friday, April 10, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Water Works Program Session #5 | Friday, April 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 5:30 PM |
| Water Works Program Graduation | Friday, May 8, 2026 |
| Semester Summer Internship Starts | Tuesday, May 26, 2026 |
| Quarter Summer Internship Starts | Monday, June 15, 2026 |
| Semester Summer Internship Ends | Friday, August 14, 2026 |
| Quarter Summer Internship Ends | Friday, September 4, 2026 |
Application Process
Application Period:
Applications will be accepted Monday, December 1, 2025, through Sunday, December 21, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.
Where to apply:
Water Works Overview Information Sessions
Student Information Sessions:
Target Audience: Students who are part of a student support/student affairs or community-based organization that provides academic, personal, or professional development resources.
Join us to learn more about the Water Works Program and how it can benefit your career pathway!
Join Zoom Information Session Here:
- Student Information Session #1 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Student Information Session #2 Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Student Information Session #3 Friday, November 21, 2025 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Community Round Table Virtual Information Sessions:
Target Audience: Professionals working in student support, student affairs, or community-based organizations who serve college students or student communities by providing academic support and personal or professional development opportunities.
If you were unable to attend the Community Roundtable Session, you can view the presentation here: 2025 Community Round Table Presentation (PDF)
2025 Water Works Academy & Career Development Session Topics
Water Works Program & 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
