CFPs: Eliminating Barriers to Entry Water Utilities as Community Partners for Career Pipelines

Donor Name: Water Research Foundation

Reference URL:https://portal.waterrf.org/outbound-grant-details/80

The Water Research Foundation is launching a new project to explore innovative approaches for building stronger workforce pipelines in the water industry through partnerships with community-based organizations and training programs.

This initiative seeks to identify best practices for utilities to collaborate with local institutions in ways that benefit both the utility and the community, particularly in creating career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

The project will span 24 months, with up to $175,000 in funding available. Proposals are welcomed from a broad range of organizations, including U.S. and international universities, research institutions, government agencies, consultants and other for-profit entities. This initiative represents an opportunity to advance workforce development and equity in the water sector through practical, replicable solutions.

The research will focus on understanding how utilities and community partners can align their goals to maximize workforce benefits. It will examine barriers to entry for diverse populations in the water sector, and document successful examples of community partnerships that have created effective career pathways. Case studies and interviews will capture a variety of program types, scales and focuses, offering practical insights into what works across different contexts.

Selected researchers will work closely with the WRF Project Advisory Committee to define what constitutes a successful program and analyze the outcomes of various career pipeline initiatives across utilities and related infrastructure industries. The findings will help utilities design strategies to attract and develop a more diverse and skilled workforce while strengthening ties with local communities.

For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.

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