APPLE VALLEY – The Mojave Water Agency announced its student essay contest, due October 18, for students to win up to $3,000 in scholarship money.

The theme of this year’s contest is “Filling the Water Workforce Reservoir.” 

According to the agency, it takes a workforce of thousands to operate and manage local water systems, however a massive wave of retirements is depleting employee ranks and leaving critical jobs unfilled. 

Turning employment gaps into opportunity

Mojave Water Agency is accepting essays that explore the potential for turning the current workforce crisis into an opportunity for the next generation.

Student essays should investigate the factors leading to the decline in water infrastructure personnel, including demographic shifts and job perception issues.

Students are to “…propose strategies to attract and retain new talent, such as offering competitive wages, creating career advancement opportunities, and improving workplace conditions,” said the announcement.

The contest is open to high school students living in the Mojave Water Agency boundaries enrolled in grades 9-12 in public, private, or home school. 

Up to $3,000 in scholarship money

The agency says a winning essay will demonstrate creativity, be well-sourced, and offer realistic solutions that water agencies can put into practice. 

The top three finalists will be assigned a community mentor/coach to polish a verbal presentation to a selection panel in front of a small audience.

The winner will receive a scholarship of $3,000 and the remaining two finalists will each receive a scholarship of $1,000.

For more information about the essay content visit https://www.mojavewater.org/conservation/water-university/water-summit/