UnTapped Winter 2027 Application

UnTapped Winter 2027 Application
UnTapped: Making a Difference in California Water Policy

WELL is currently recruiting for our 12th 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 2,000 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 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- The UnTapped Fellowship Program will consist of five in-person sessions.
  
  Program Dates:
  - Session 1: Coachella Valley, Friday, January 22 – Sunday, January 24, 2027
  - Session 2: San Diego, Friday, February 5 – Saturday, February 6, 2027
  - Session 3: Central Valley, Friday, March 5 – Saturday, March 6, 2027
  - Session 4: Sacramento, Tuesday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 14, 2027
  - Session 5: Los Angeles, Friday, May 14 – Saturday, May 15, 2027
- In celebration of WELL’s 15th anniversary, participation will be at no cost. The program includes: Hotel, meals during program times, curated program curriculum, 5 in-person water education sessions, program logistics coordination, and expert speakers.
- The program does not include: Travel to the in-person sessions, meals outside of the program times, and event costs for the capstone project.
- Limited scholarships are available for elected officials who need assistance on a first come, first served basis.
- No, WELL defines a Latino leader as any elected official representing a Latino constituency. For example, city council members, school board members, county supervisors, and water district directors.

- 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.Format: (000) 000-0000.
- Work Phone
  Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
- Personal Email Address
  example@example.com
- Occupation
- Employer
- How did you hear about this program?
  
  Other
- Name of person who referred you to the program:
- Current elected position?
- What year were you first elected to this position?
- How many terms have you been in this position?
- When does your current term expire (month and year)?
- Previous elected office (if applicable)?
- What Assembly District are you in?
- Who is your Assemblymember?
- What State Senate District are you in
- Who is your State Senator

- Program Dates:
  - Session 1: Coachella Valley, Friday, January 22 – Sunday, January 24, 2027
  - Session 2: San Diego, Friday, February 5 – Saturday, February 6, 2027
  - Session 3: Central Valley, Friday, March 5 – Saturday, March 6, 2027
  - Session 4: Sacramento, Tuesday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 14, 2027
  - Session 5: Los Angeles, Friday, May 14 – Saturday, May 15, 2027
- Do you have any conflicts with the current schedule?
- Please list any conflict's you may anticipate. Note: Reasons such as forgetting or attending city council/board meetings are not considered acceptable excuses for missing sessions.
- 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?

- 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.
- 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.
  
  Other
- Recommender's Name
  
  First NameLast Name
- Recommender's Job Title
- Recommender's Organization/Agency
- Recommender's Email
  example@example.com
- Recommender's Phone Number
  Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
- Which of the following best describes the recommender?
- Letter of Recommendation
  
  Cancelof
- Resume
  
  Cancelof
- Cover Letter (optional)
  
  Cancelof
- Do you have have any comments or questions about the UnTapped Fellowship Program that you would like to discuss?
- Should be Empty:

UnTapped Winter 2027 Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)