In 2022, Grand Rapids Community College, partnering with Bay College and the City of Grand Rapids, received a $500K grant awarded by the US Environmental Protection Agency, specifically focusing on Water Infrastructure Workforce Development. Through a collaborative effort, the Grand Rapids Public Services Departments developed and implemented an innovative and equitable internship program for new water industry professionals. Moreover, they restructured their K-12 educational program, all in a concerted effort to build the talent pipeline within the water industry. This catalyzed the launch of three key initiatives in the Grand Rapids Community: The West Michigan Water Career Program, The Public Works Camp for 6th–9th graders, and the community-wide Water Pool-ooza 2023 events. This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notable triumphs and valuable insights learned during the course of this program. This presentation hopes to invigorate and motivate professionals nationwide, compelling them to infuse enthusiasm and excitement into the public works field within their communities.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Implement innovative and equitable internship programs that cater to a diverse range of aspiring professionals, ensuring practical skill development and industry exposure.
• Develop inclusive strategies for engaging and educating youth, fostering their interest in the water industry from a young age.
• Apply best practices and lessons learned from the pilot program to their own workforce development initiatives, thereby ensuring a more efficient and successful implementation process.

Contributor/Source

Haley Kozal

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