GateWay Community College is proud to announce that scholarships are now available for students who enroll in the Water Resources and Environmental Science Technology Program for the upcoming fall semester or 2023-2024 academic year. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and protect our most valuable natural resources and prepares them for careers in water and wastewater operation, water resource management, environmental compliance, conservation, and research.
With a drought currently intensifying in the Southwestern United States, the scholarship program could not have come at a more opportune time. GateWay is the only college in Arizona offering specialized degrees and certificates in water and wastewater treatment and water resources technologies. In addition, the college opened a dedicated training facility in partnership with the City of Surprise in 2016 for water resources technologies, providing students with a unique hands-on experience.
"There continues to be increasing demand from our municipal partners to provide them with the next generation of skilled workers in water resources technology and water and wastewater treatment," said Roman Diaz, program director at the college. "Our students are some of the most well-qualified technicians upon completing our programs, which provides them with a unique advantage when they enter the workforce."
Full-time students enrolled in a degree or certificate path in the Water Resources and Environmental Science Technology Program can now receive scholarships up to $500 just by applying. Additionally, part-time students can receive up to $250 in scholarships. The scholarships will help students pursue their educational goals and prepare for a career in water resource management or environmental science.
"The Water Resources and Environmental Science Technology Program provides students with a solid foundation in environmental science and the skills needed to make a difference in our world," said Dr. Craig Urbanski, division chair for the Center of Industrial Technology. "We are excited to offer scholarships to help students pursue their educational goals and prepare for a rewarding career in this field."
With many of the college's degree and certificate programs ranking in the top 10 in-demand green jobs, GateWay hopes to expand its environmental and green programs even further. The college recently announced the launch of the Center for Industrial Technology, bringing together five of the college's existing programs: Industrial Design Technology, Automotive, HVAC, Water Resources and Environmental Science Technology, and Water and Wastewater Treatment. The new effort renovates and provides better access to the college's state-of-the-art labs as it plays a critical role in addressing the nearly 4 million skilled-trade job vacancies nationwide.
"There is a reason we have been an industry-leading workforce development college for over 50 years," said Urbanski. "Our state needs well-qualified and educated water and wastewater operators in these important fields. It is critical to the future of our state."
To request more information about the water resources and environmental science technology programs at GateWay, please visit gatewaycc.edu/water or call 602-286-8000 to enroll.