Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center

💧👷🏽 Interested in becoming a Future Water Leader? There are so many ways to be a part of the sector no matter your skills, level of education, or background. Check out this new “Careers Across the Water Workforce” resource our team created to see what water sector pathway is the right fit for you!



🔗Check out the brochure here:https://efcnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Careers-Across-the-Water-Workforce.pdf



📚 For more resources on water careers and/or ready-to-go lesson plans to teach K-12 students about water resources, explore the Future Water Leaders Educators Resource Hub today: https://efcnetwork.org/resources/educators-resource-hub/



👥 This project is delivered in partnership between the Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center, Southwest Environmental Finance Center, and Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center based out of Institute for Sustainability Engagement - EFC Region 2

We are hosting a complimentary Intro to Cybersecurity Workshop, specifically designed for Missouri water/wastewater utilities, on June 4 at the DNR Southeast Regional Offices in Poplar Bluff. 💦🌐🔒

This workshop will introduce you to cybersecurity tactics, vulnerabilities, common cyberattack methods, and the physical security aspects of cybersecurity. Participants will engage in a tabletop exercise and receive insights into the Missouri Water Safety and Security Act.

Approved for 5.0 Renewal Training Hours approved by MDNR. Learn more and register today! ⬇️

https://efcnetwork.org/event/mo-training-poplar-bluff-introduction-to-cybersecurity-and-tabletop-exercise-for-missouri-wastewater-and-water-operators-2/

Today, our team had the opportunity to present to the MiniMPA class, which is always an enjoyable experience! 💛🖤💛 We discussed how our team can assist local water utilities and highlighted some of our core community training programs, including Cybersecurity for Utilities and Water Utility Asset Management.

Additionally, we provided insights into how each individual's role in local government can help support their community's water and environmental services. Thank you, Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, for letting us teach a session again!

💧🤝 As experienced plant managers and superintendents approach retirement, many utilities are looking to train the next generation of leaders. Unsure where to start? Read this new blog by Analisa Munhall, Program Manager at the Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center to learn what questions to ask when assessing your sites and what actions your utility can take to train future leaders.



📖 Read “Closing the Leadership Gap in Wastewater” Here: https://efcnetwork.org/closing-the-leadership-gap-in-wastewater/



🔗 For more multimedia, including podcasts, videos, blogs and more, visit: https://efcnetwork.org/multimedia/

🎉 Our team had an amazing time at the Robert L. Cattoi Book Technologies Lab, housed in the Wichita State University Department of English, just a couple of floors up from our offices in Lindquist Hall! 📚✨ We got creative, explored the history and future of books, and even tried our hands at making books, digitizing manuscripts, and quilling with ink pens! 🖌️💡 Plus, we checked out some fascinating typewriters and learned about the evolution of the letterpress. Highly recommend checking it out for yourself! 👉 www.wichita.edu/booklab

Our very own Tonya Bronleewe moderated an insightful panel on "Building Resilient Energy and Water Systems" at last week's ARISE Symposium. This event aimed to bring together leaders and learners from across Kansas to enhance community resilience.

During the event, Tonya facilitated a dynamic discussion with:

- Julie Lorenz, Consultant with Burns & McDonnell and Former Kansas Secretary of Transportation
- Andrew Ferris, CFO of Kansas City BPU
- Michele Silsbee, Deputy City Manager of Osawatomie, KS

ARISE, which stands for "Adaptive and Resilient Infrastructure driven by Social Equity," is a novel project designed to help Kansans recover more quickly and experience less impact from large-scale disasters.

https://nsfepscor.ku.edu/track-1-arise

We are so proud to be a part of this incredible program! 🥳🤩

Join us next week in Ark City to test out the newly revised A.M. KanWork! Training workshop! See the updated material, participate in new activities, and provide feedback on workshop resources!

Our ✨NEW✨ water utility asset management training is an updated version of the A.M. KanWork training that Kansas Municipal Utilities - KMU and Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center have conducted across Kansas for over a decade.

This workshop offers utilities a comprehensive overview of asset management strategies, helping them prioritize investments and maximize the value of their infrastructure.

📅 When: Thurs., April 16, 2026 | ⏰ 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
📍 Where: Ark City Water Treatment Facility, 400 W. Madison, Arkansas City, KS

💡 Earn 5 hours of operator certification credit! ☝️There is no charge to attend, and lunch will be provided. 🥪🍕🥗

🔗 Register now: https://www.kmunet.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2052812&group=

🌟 Our team is at the University of New Mexico to kick off another year of projects with the Environmental Finance Center Network, focusing on our initiatives that support rural, small, and tribal (RST) water and wastewater utilities. 💧

These projects provide free training and technical assistance to help communities enhance their water/wastewater systems, secure funding, and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act for safe drinking water access.

Can't wait to collaborate with our team and find ways to assist even more small water utilities this year! 🚰

🌊 Dive into Your Future with a Career in the Water & Wastewater Industry!💧

As water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and climate change challenge our water and wastewater systems, the demand for skilled professionals in the water sector is soaring! While AI and technology play a supporting role in detecting leaks and monitoring water quality, nothing can replace the expertise of knowledgeable individuals in protecting water systems and public health over the long term.

❗Did you know? The U.S. will need 29,700 water operators over the next decade!

Alongside operators, they will also be looking for lab technicians, engineers, conservationists, cybersecurity analysts, and MANY more "blue jobs" to fill.

💦 Why choose a career in water? 💧
- Long-term growth and job stability
- Competitive pay
- Meaningful work that directly benefits our communities

💙 Whether you're a recent graduate or seeking to change your career path, there are “blue jobs” available for everyone, regardless of your background or education level. Many entry-level positions offer on-the-job training!

Check out more about the Environmental Finance Center Network's Future Water Leaders program at their Educators Resource Hub webpage!

🔗 http://efcnetwork.org/future-water-leaders