Five Years of Water UP! Builds Pathways to Water Utility Careers
New Jersey American Water (AWK) celebrated the fifth graduating class of Water UP!, its workforce development program for water utility careers.
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New Jersey American Water (AWK) celebrated the fifth graduating class of Water UP!, its workforce development program for water utility careers. The ceremony at its Camden headquarters recognized 10 graduates in the 2026 cohort, bringing total graduates since the program launched in 2021 to 61.
Participants completed 10 weeks of classroom instruction, professional development, field experiences and hands-on training. Camden-based Hopeworks, which partnered on the inaugural class, returned to support recruitment and workforce readiness for the 2026 cohort.
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New Jersey American Water celebrates 61 graduates since launching the workforce development program in 2021
"Celebrating five years of Water UP! is an incredible milestone, but what matters most is the opportunity this program creates for people to develop new skills and explore careers in the water industry," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. "We're proud to help prepare the next generation of utility professionals for an industry and a service that communities depend on every day."
Through Water UP!, participants spend 10 weeks building skills and exploring careers in the water and utility industry through classroom instruction, professional development, field experiences and hands-on training. The program covers financial literacy, customer service, leadership development, OSHA training and utility operations, giving participants a broad foundation as they consider their next steps.
That work also creates opportunities in the communities New Jersey American Water serves. Several members of this year's graduating class are
Hopeworks, a
"We are proud to partner with New Jersey American Water for the 2026 Water UP! cohort and help connect participants to meaningful career opportunities," said Dan Rhoton, chief executive officer of Hopeworks. "Programs like Water UP! give young adults exposure to industries they may not have otherwise considered while helping them build skills and confidence that can support long-term career success."
The program's return to
"I can't say enough about American Water and everyone who has played a part in making this happen," said
The 2026 graduates capped their 10-week experience by receiving certificates recognizing their completion of Water UP! During the ceremony, graduate Mia Morales reflected on the skills, experiences and career opportunities she gained through the program.
"Water UP! has given us the skills to enter the utility field with confidence and competence," said Mia Morales, a Hopeworks alumna and member of the program's 2026 graduating class, during her remarks at the ceremony. "I've been able to practice networking, receive feedback, work on my resume and elevator pitch, and learn how to change water meters and repair water main breaks. The experience helped me strengthen my communication skills, step outside my comfort zone and grow as a young professional."
Over the past five years, Water UP! has demonstrated the value of workforce development programs that introduce participants to water utility careers, build practical skills and connect communities with opportunities in an essential industry.
For more information about New Jersey American Water's workforce development initiatives, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com/waterup.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Through high-demand technical training, paid work experience and real-world business experience, Hopeworks helps young adults build skills and pursue living-wage careers. The organization provides technology solutions in geographic information systems, revenue cycle management and web design.
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SOURCE American Water