UnTapped Winter 2026 Application

UnTapped Winter 2026 Application
UnTapped: Making a Difference in California Water Policy

WELL is currently recruiting for our 11th cohort. UnTapped is a selective, six-month program for local elected leaders that helps participants make an impact on California water policy while addressing individual community water challenges. The UnTapped program creates an opportunity for local leaders to engage with water issues by exploring governance, infrastructure, finance, the water-energy nexus, and the impact of climate change on water supply and water quality.

UnTapped sessions are hosted in person, at various watersheds throughout California. Content includes a discussion with water professionals and skill-based exercises that help participants ask better public policy questions and strengthen public speaking and relational skills.

Developing a Network of Local Elected Officials

WELL’s network is composed of more than 1,400 locally elected Latino leaders from throughout California. Local elected officials, whether city council members, school board members, or elected water district directors, have an incredible influence on water policy and on the delivery of water to our communities. Further, once UnTapped fellows graduate from the program, they are inducted into the WELL UnTapped Network (WUN), where they can continue to engage in learning and training opportunities focused on California water policy. Having such an extensive network means that together we can make our communities more resilient in the face of ongoing water challenges.

Deadline to submit the application: October 15, 2025
FAQ

What are the session dates and how many are there?
The UnTapped Fellowship Program will consist of five in-person sessions.

Program Dates:
- Session 1: Coachella, Friday, January 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Session 2: San Diego, Friday, February 6 – Saturday, Febuary 7, 2026
- Session 3: Tehachapi, Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Session 4: Richmond, Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Session 5: Sacramento, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9, 2026

What is the cost of the program?
The cost to participate in the WELL UnTapped Fellowship is as follows:

$3,500.00 for city council members and for school board members.

$4,500.00 for water district directors.

What does the cost of the program cover/does not cover?
What does the program fee cover:
- Hotel
- Meals (during the program times)
- Program Curriculum (Curated towards cohort learning expectations)
- 5 In-Person Water Education Sessions
- Program Logistics Coordination
- Program Speaker Recruitment
What does the UnTapped Fellowship program fee not cover:
- Travel to the in-person sessions
- Meals outside of the program times (ex: if we start at 1:00 pm, Lunch will not be served)
- Event costs for the capstone project
- Per Diem

Are there any scholarship or payment options available?
Limited scholarships are available for elected officials who need assistance on a first come, first served basis.

Do I have to identify as Latino to join the program?
WELL defines a Latino leader as any elected official representing a Latino constituency.

Personal and contact Information
Name

First NameLast Name
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Personal Cell Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.
Work Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.
Personal Email Address
example@example.com
Current Employment
How did you hear about this program?

Attended a WELL eventWELL staff recommendationReferral by colleague/friendEmailSocial MediaOther
Name of person who referred you to the program:

Elected Role
Current elected position?
What year were you first elected into this position?
For how many terms have you been in this position?
When does your current term expire (month and year)?
Previous elected office (if applicable)?

Program Dates
WELL UnTapped Fellowship Winter 2026 Session Dates:
- Session 1: Coachella, Friday, January 9 – Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Session 2: San Diego, Friday, February 6 – Saturday, Febuary 7, 2026
- Session 3: Tehachapi, Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Session 4: Richmond, Friday, April 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Session 5: Sacramento, Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9, 2026
Do you have any conflicts with the current schedule?

YesNo
Please list any conflict's you may anticipate. Note: Missing a session for reasons such as "forgetting" or city council/board meetings are not acceptable reasons for missing sessions.

Education and Training
Please list any WELL Events you have attended in the past.
What formal/informal education and professional certifications have you completed?
Please list other leadership or training programs you have participated in. How long were they (i.e., one-day, a weekend, 6 months, etc.)?
Please describe the personal and professional skills you possess?

Water Interest Questions
Why are you interested in learning more about water policy in California? *
What local water challenge, issue, or problem in your city, school district, water district, or region are you interested in learning during the UnTapped Program? *
Please describe a challenge you have encountered as a leader (either within or outside of your elected position) relating to a community project, initiative, or policy. How did you navigate it? What lessons did you learn? 250 - 500 words.*

UnTapped Leadership Projects
IMPORTANT: UnTapped participants will complete a Legislative Water Workshop by the end of the year. The project involves bringing together local elected officials and water industry experts in learning about local and state water policy in conjunction with the UnTapped participant's California state senator or assembly member.
Leading the leadership project requires that each UnTapped participant commit four to eight hours of work per month. Please confirm that you are able to commit the time and leadership involved in this project.

I am able to commit four to eight hours of work per month to complete my UnTapped leadership project.I am not able to commit four to eight hours of work per month to complete my UnTapped leadership project.Other

Attach Resume and Cover Letter
Resume*

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Cover Letter (optional)

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Do you have have any comments or questions about the UnTapped Fellowship Program that you would like to discuss?
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UnTapped Winter 2026 Application

FAQ