Water Leaders Application Information Page
Applications for the 2022 program are now closed.
The 2022 program dates are below and are currently planned to be held in person. Attendance at all program sessions is mandatory.
*Note: We will be monitoring the COVID situation closely, and if there is a need to move the program to a virtual format for one or more of the session that will be communicated with the selected class.
2022 PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Session 1: April 14-15, 2022, Silverthorne
Session 2: June 2-3, 2022, Redstone
Session 3: July 28-29, 2022, Salida
Session 4: September 15-16, 2022, Denver
Application Materials
To be considered for the program you must submit a completed application by January 17, 2022.
Within your application you are required to upload two letters of recommendation.
If your employer or a sponsoring organization will be paying for all or a portion of your tuition, then you will also need to upload a Tuition Payment Letter of Intent to demonstrate their commitment to supporting your tuition financially. If you are personally paying for the full tuition then you do not need to upload this letter.
Program admission is based upon competitive criteria in order to maximize each participant’s experience and ensure program diversity. Our Water Leaders admissions committee reviews and selects participants through a multi-step scoring process that considers criteria such as demonstrated commitment to Colorado water, leadership potential, program readiness, and geographic and professional diversity.
Please note that while more than one applicant from the same organization may apply, only one participant per employer will be admitted in the same year.
Minimum Requirements to Apply
Proven Past Commitment: The Water Leaders Program is designed for individuals who have already begun to establish themselves in the water profession. Applicants should have at least three years of work experience in a water-related field, but there is no upper-year limit. Water Leaders will benefit professionals who have spent any duration working in the water profession beyond three years.
Proven Future Commitment: Applicants should identify a desire to continue their work in the water profession and demonstrate a commitment to help grow and advance the water sector in Colorado by providing leadership and expertise.
Proven “Sphere of Influence:” WEco defines Sphere of Influence as an individual’s power to impact the water sector in Colorado either by managing staff/projects/programs, working closely with a network of external partners outside of your organization, working to influence high-level decision makers, or other job-related connections that elevate your voice in the water sector.
Colorado Focused: Applicants should be Colorado residents who work primarily in Colorado.
Full Engagement: Participants must be ready to engage deeply in the Water Leaders process including by honestly answering self-assessments, accepting critical feedback from class participants and peer networks, investing time in personal reflection, and being willing to adapt and change personal and professional interactions to become a more efficient and effective leader.
100% Commitment: Participants are expected to be fully invested in the program through attendance at all in-person training sessions, participation in all coaching and cohort calls/meetings, and completion of all inter-session assessments and homework assignments.
Program Highlights
• Uniquely flexible for water professionals with all experience levels
• Core focus on individual growth and leadership development
• Extensive training in managing effectively, navigating conflict and diversity, leading self and others, and problem-solving
• Plus self-assessment, executive coaching, networking opportunities and application of learning to water issues statewide
Please review the Water Leaders FAQ Document to learn more about the program and download the program flyer.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2022 Water Leaders Program is $4,000 for four two-day training sessions, individual assessments, four hours of one-on-one executive coaching, six hours of small group coaching, customized mentorship opportunities, exclusive guest speakers, individual guidance from WEco staff, all program materials, and detailed program coordination. Tuition also covers all meals during the four program sessions; including two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner.
Travel
Participants will be responsible for the additional costs of lodging and transportation during the program. WEco will organize group discounts at a single hotel for each session. Staying in the group hotel is not required, but highly recommended. Please budget around $140 per night for a hotel as needed if you do plan on staying in the group hotels.
Scholarships
To help cover tuition, a limited number of partial scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for those scholarships, please describe how your participation would lend diversity in background, ethnicity or perspective to the class. These are highly competitive and based on both need and merit. You must complete the 200-word statement on the Financial Obligation section of the Water Leaders application to be considered for a scholarship.
Please email Jayla Poppleton with questions about the Water Leaders Program or call 303-377-4433. If you are interested in speaking to a Water Leaders Program graduate please look through our alumni page.