Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering a competitive grant to expand career pipelines in the drinking‑water and wastewater utility sector. Eligible entities – colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and public‑works agencies – may propose apprenticeship, internship, K‑12 education, regional collaboration, or decentralized‑workforce training projects that demonstrably increase the water‑utility workforce and public awareness of water‑related careers. Up to 15 awards will be made, with total funding of $10.8 million and a maximum award of $7.8 million per recipient. Applications are accepted through 15 Oct 2026 via Grants.gov. • Eligible applicants: IHEs, nonprofits, public‑works departments/agencies. • Eligible activities: apprenticeships, internships, K‑12‑to‑college education programs, industry‑academic collaborations, training for decentralized water‑utility work. • Funding instrument: Cooperative Agreement (education‑focused). • Number of awards: 15; total estimated funding $10.8 M; award ceiling $7.8 M. • Goal: measurable increase in qualified water‑utility workforce and public awareness. • Submission portal: Grants.gov; contact Hana Abate for technical questions.