ACWA Foundation Building Strategic Partnerships to Power California’s Water Future by ACWA Foundation Apr 15, 2025 Member Submitted News With foundational infrastructure in place and strong momentum from early outreach, the ACWA Foundation is poised to take bold next steps in addressing the critical workforce shortage facing the water industry. The Foundation — a nonprofit 501(c)3 formed by the ACWA Board of Directors in 2022 — is convening water agencies, industry leaders, higher education institutions, and educators to co-create pilot programs focused on training water operators in key regions of California. Lean focus groups — featuring representation from each interested group — will collaborate to develop curriculum and training pathways that align with the real-world needs of a qualified, mission-ready workforce. More details will be unveiled during the ACWA Foundation’s Solution Spotlight at the upcoming ACWA Spring Conference & Expo. In addition, the Foundation recognizes and celebrates those already leading the charge in inclusive recruitment. To support continued innovation in building welcoming, diverse workplaces, the Foundation is launching a new webinar series this June. Industry experts will share cutting-edge strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, and attendees will have the chance to engage directly with peers to exchange ideas and actionable solutions. To learn more about the ACWA Foundation’s work, please visit its new website at www.acwa-foundation.org. The ACWA Foundation and its Board of Trustees operate separately and independently from ACWA and its Board of Directors.