Waubonsee Community College has received a three-year $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Program. The grant will fund a project called “Waubonsee Water Ways: Building Pathways to Careers in the Water Sector.”
“This in-demand sector offers secure, steady careers that allow workers to contribute to their communities and better the environment,” said Dr. Sheela Vemu, Associate Professor of Biology, and Principal Investigator of the grant project, along with Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Nancy Christensen.
With input from a professional industry advisory board, Fox Metro, Illinois Section American Water Works Association, Illinois Water Environment Association, and others, Waubonsee is building a water and wastewater technician certificate program scheduled to debut in the fall 2025 semester. Along with traditional coursework, students will gain the hands-on work experience required for industry certification.
“The emerging ‘blue’ economy really does provide a flood of opportunities, so we’re excited that this grant positions Waubonsee at the forefront of preparing students to take full advantage,” Dr. Christensen said. “Jobs in this industry lead to excellent careers in this valuable sector.”
Waubonsee began preparing the grant proposal with mentoring and technical support from the American Association of Community Colleges program, MentorLinks. The MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education program is supported by the National Science Foundation and is designed to help community colleges develop or strengthen technician training programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields through mentoring, professional development opportunities, and technical assistance.
To learn more about Waubonsee’s water technician certificate, visit waubonsee.edu/water.
