Students and Young Professionals

WEF’s programs, resources, and networking give students and young professionals the keys to launch and develop a successful career in the water sector

Program and Opportunities for Students & Young Professionals

SYPC Welcome Guide

Community Service Project

Since 2008, the WEF Community Service Project has made a significant impact on several WEFTEC host cities.

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Outstanding Young Water Environment Professional Award

This award is presented for significant contributions to the Water Environment Federation and to the wastewater collection and treatment sector.

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Student Design Competition

The WEF Student Design Competition promotes real-world design experience for students interested in pursuing education and careers in water and wastewater engineering and science. 

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YP Summit

The WEF/AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Summit is the premier water and wastewater industry workshop for young professionals.

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Springboard

The WEF YP Springboard Program provides travel expense assistance for the selected YPs to attend the Winter Meeting.

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WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship

This scholarship provides $25,000 for a post-baccalaureate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education related expenses.

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Mentorship Program

The purpose of this program is to provide rising WEF members with an avenue to connect with leaders outside of their own organization to discuss growth in both career and personal development.

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Water Palooza

Water Palooza brings together water-conscious organizations and companies to educate elementary school students about the value of water through hands-on and demonstrative activities.

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Stockholm Junior Water Prize

Held since 1997, the SJWP is the world's most prestigious award presented to a high school student for a water-research project.

More about SJWP

Find Your Related Communities

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITY

This community encourages and facilitates student and YP involvement in WEF and Member Associations through professional development and leadership opportunities. The SYPC is made up of students, young professionals, academics, and water quality professionals.

More about the SYP Community

STUDENT CHAPTERS

WEF Student Chapters are professional organizations based at colleges and universities for students with an interest in the environment or becoming more active in the water sector.

More about Student Chapters

Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.

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Operations

From hands-on-training and leadership opportunities, such as Operations Challenge, to online training, such as the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series, WEF provides operators with many opportunities to advance on-the-job knowledge and develop their careers.

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Water & Wastewater Treatment

More than 16,000 publicly owned water resource recovery facilities operate in the United States. Skilled engineers and operators work together to ensure new and updated facilities continue to protect public health and the environment.

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Biosolids Resource Recovery

Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements.

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Industrial Water Resources

Industries treat and reuse wastewater and process water as well as provide environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment while reducing costs and maintaining value for their businesses.

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Utility Management

To respond to myriad daily challenges faced by water and wastewater utility leaders, WEF continuously works with its members and partners to develop a variety of management initiatives; resources; and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

WEF advocacy activities aim to educate WEF members and the water sector on public policy issues related to water quality and resources and equip them to play a greater role in water policy discussions.

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Collection Systems and Conveyance

The system of underground pipes and maintenance structures that convey wastewater has brought dramatic improvements to public health. Most sewers carry wastes from households and commercial establishments and are referred to as sanitary sewers.

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Stormwater & Watershed Management

Take a comprehensive look at how all water resources, including uplands, drainage basins, wetlands, stormwater, surface water, and groundwater interact.

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Public Health

The water sector and its systems protect public and ecological health. Using the data that can be collected through smart water technologies provides additional insights to address complex public health issues.

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