Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association

The Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA) is the leading regional organization focused on providing professional development opportunities, advancing water sector workforce development, sharing technical knowledge, enhancing public awareness, and advocating for effective policy in the water industry across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

PNCWA Mentorship Program

Overview:
The PNCWA Mentorship Program connects students and early-career professionals with experienced water industry professionals to provide guidance, career exploration, and professional growth opportunities.

Opportunity Highlights:

• One-on-one mentor/mentee matching

• Career guidance and industry insight

• Supports workforce development in water and environmental fields

How to Get Involved / Learn More:
Interested participants can apply to be a mentor or mentee through the PNCWA website and program application forms.

PNCWA Adopt-a-School Program

Overview:
The Adopt-a-School Program supports water science education, involvement, and restoration activities for K–12 students working toward clean-water education goals in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Teachers, schools, and school districts across the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance water-related science education. Average project funding is $500 per application, depending on the number of applicants and funding requests received.

PNCWA Scholarships

Overview:
The PNCWA Scholarship Program supports operators and students pursuing a professional career in the water quality field by awarding scholarships on an annual basis.

Who is Eligible?

Current or accepted college students seeking a career in the water environment field by obtaining a professional certification or an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree.

Stockholm Junior Water Prize 

Overview:
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a prestigious international research competition that recognizes high school students conducting outstanding water-related research.

Opportunity Highlights:

• Research-based science competition

• Opportunities for scholarships and international recognition

• Encourages innovation and problem-solving around water challenges

How to Get Involved / Learn More:
Students and educators can learn about eligibility, submission requirements, and deadlines on the PNCWA SJWP program page.

PNCWA Student Design Competition

Overview:
The Student Design Competition gives students hands-on experience solving real-world water and wastewater challenges. Teams design and present a project of their choice, building technical, teamwork, and presentation skills in preparation for careers in the water environment field.

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students completing a capstone or senior design project.

Opportunity Highlights:

• Hands-on, industry-relevant engineering challenge

• Team-based competition with professional judging

• Builds technical and professional skills

How to Get Involved / Learn More:
Student teams can register annually through PNCWA when the competition opens- typically in the Spring.

WAVE Program

Overview:
The WAVE Program engages students and emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds in the water industry through a series of skills-building workshops and attendance at the PNCWA Annual Conference.

The goal is to empower participants to lead the future of water by fostering belonging, building professional skills, and expanding career opportunities.

Opportunity Highlights:

• Facility tours and real-world exposure

• Career exploration in water and environmental fields