WEF Opens Water Leaders Application Process by ACWA Staff Oct 26, 2026 Water News The Water Education Foundation (Foundation) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Water Leaders program. ACWA members who apply may be eligible for ACWA’s John P. Fraser Fellowship, which covers the program’s tuition and limited travel expenses. Fellowship applicants must apply through the Foundation’s application process and meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements for its Water Leaders program. In determining the winner of the fellowship, ACWA will give special consideration to applicants from smaller agencies and those with limited budgets for professional development. Water Leaders is a prestigious, one-year program for early to mid-career participants throughout California who want to deepen their knowledge of water and improve their leadership skills. Each year there are roughly 20 class members who participate in a variety of activities, including a one-day orientation in Sacramento, Foundation water tours, the Foundation’s Water 101 Workshop, shadowing and interviewing a mentor, and special meetings to develop a class presentation and written report. ACWA created the John P. Fraser Fellowship in 2019 to provide financial support to an individual working at an ACWA public member agency to participate in the Water Leaders Class. The fellowship honors ACWA Executive Director John P. Fraser, who passed away in 2018, for his 22 years of service to the association and for his numerous contributions, which include creating the organization that became today’s Water Education Foundation. For more details about the fellowship, including full requirements and the selection process, visit ACWA’s website. For more details about the program, including instructions for applying, visit the Water Education Foundation’s website.
