How to Apply

Applications for WLI 2025 are closed and notifications will go out in early March.

For the 2025 WLI, attendance at our in-person trainings is mandatory*. There will be a two-day training in Alexandria, VA May 15-16, with optional half-day May 14. We will also have a one-day workshop at WEFTEC on Sunday, September 28 in Chicago. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis and must be discussed before you accept your position in the program. If your company cannot support the tuition/travel costs, there is an option to be considered for a scholarship in the application process.

The 2025 application will be reviewed based on the answer to the following five questions and reference letter.

We want to hear your authentic voice, NOT AI generated content.  All applications will be run through an AI detector and those flagged will not be considered for the program.

1. WHO ARE YOU?: Let us know more about you, what you’re passionate about, and what motivates you. [Consider including information related to your career path, current employer, job function(s), education, extracurricular activities, and/or hobbies]. (100 Word Limit)  
   
   
2. TELL US WHY YOU’RE APPLYING: Why are you applying for the 2025 Water Leadership Institute and what do you hope to gain and give by graduating from this program? (100 Word Limit)
    
3. TELL US HOW YOU AREINVOLVED: Tell us about your extracurricular involvement in your community or industry [consider describing your membership(s)/ committee involvement(s) in detail. This can also include school programs, and/or your roles in your community, family, professional, or other organizations; as applicable highlight your accomplishments]. (100 Word Limit) 
   
   
4. WHO INSPIRES YOU?:Share your perspectives with us about a leader you know personally who inspires you to be the best you can be. Tell us how they have impacted you, or your career, and what you admire about them and their leadership style. (100 Word Limit)
   
   
5. TELL US: Tell us about a time that you demonstrated leadership in your personal life or workplace? Remember, leadership can show up outside of being in a formal managerial/leadership role.
   
   In this example include details such as:
   • How did you make your mark?
   • How did you show leadership?
   • How did your actions improve your situation/workplace/community?
   • What would you have done differently if you got the chance to do it again?   (150 Word Limit)

See Grading Rubric

Please provide a 1-page Letter of Reference from an individual (relatives are excluded) that has direct experience with your leadership qualities, characteristics, and capabilities. This letter should include at least two reasons why you should be accepted into this program. Note: The file should be uploaded as a pdf and named: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_RefLetter.

The 2025 application period is now closed.

Download "The Employer's Guide to WLI" to help explain what your participation means to your employer for approval.

*In-person attendance is mandatory, assuming events will still be held in person. If we must convert to virtual in 2025, then we will strive to keep the virtual dates over the same time-period.