Water Fellows Programs
Across the State
The Colorado Water Fellows Program prepares the next generation of water leaders by training and connecting undergraduate and graduate students to careers and opportunities in the water field.
What does it mean to be a Water Fellow?
This academic-year long program is designed to prepare students for careers in the water field and connect them to opportunities, attending water conferences and field trips, and joining monthly meetings that delve into critical water topics. The emphasis on a holistic, interdisciplinary understanding of water-related issues prepares the Water Fellows to navigate the complexities of the field.
I learned how to communicate more effectively, while gaining knowledge from different water professionals. The program helped expand my network and think more outside the box.
Colorado WAter FEllow
2025-2026 Cohort
From a 2025-2026 statewide cohort exit survey…
96%
Felt more prepared for careers in the water workforce
96%
Expanded professional and peer networks
89%
Reported increased interest in water-related careers
Colorado Water Fellows Statewide
Advance the next generation of water leaders through speaking at monthly meetings, hosting a summer internship or sponsoring students.
11
Academic Institution Partners/Locations
35
Different Majors
72
Student Fellows Statewide
103+
Program Alumni
Statewide Program Partners
The Colorado Water Fellows Program has been a true catalyst for engaging with students at Colorado Mesa University in a very meaningful and impactful way. By providing the vision, cross boundary collaboration and critical funding, this program has enabled the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center to provide a space for students to grow their knowledge, make valuable connections, and explore career opportunities in the water sector.
Shannon Wadas, Executive Director
Ruth Powell Hutchins water CEnter, Colorado Mesa University
Annual Colorado Water Fellows Convening
2025 Colorado Water Fellows convening
The first Colorado Water Fellows Convening, held from February 11-13, 2025, brought together a total of 76 attendees, including 52 students from Colorado State University and our five Colorado Water Fellows Program partner institutions from around the state.
2026 Colorado Water Fellows convening
67 attendees came together for the Second Annual Colorado Water Fellows Convening on February 13-14, 2026, which celebrated “A Shared Love for Water” and emphasized the importance of relationship building and collaborative thinking to help address complex water challenges.
Thank you to our Colorado Water Fellows Program Funders!
