The City of Grand Rapids, in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College, has hosted a three-day Water Careers Camp for four consecutive summers, engaging middle school students (sixth to ninth grade) in an interactive exploration of careers in water, wastewater, and public works. This camp uses the human water cycle as a framework, providing hands-on experiences that highlight essential services—from drinking water production to wastewater recovery and stormwater management. Campers participate in place-based learning by embarking on field trips to critical facilities, and engaging directly with industry professionals. Through activities like water quality testing, hands-on demonstrations, and sampling macroinvertebrates, students gain real-world insights into water infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The camp also integrates team challenges, career showcases, and public works-related learning to broaden participants’ understanding of the industry. Thanks to funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the program is accessible at just $25 per participant, breaking down financial barriers to science, technology, engineering, and math engagement. With more than 50 city staff and multiple community partners involved, the camp builds excitement for careers in public service while fostering a deeper connection to water-related fields. This presentation will explore the camp’s structure, partnerships, and impact while offering insights on how similar programs can be replicated to address workforce gaps. “After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Develop strategies to design and implement youth programs highlighting careers in water, wastewater, and public works.
• Identify key partnerships with municipalities, educational institutions, and community organizations to support workforce development initiatives.
• Incorporate hands-on activities and real-world experiences that engage students and promote interest in public service and water-related fields.”
Contributor/Source
Hillary Caron-Principal Consultant & Founder
Claim CEUs
Submit this form to claim CEUs.
Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.