ISAWWA Sparks Career Conversations with Illinois School Counselors

The Illinois Section AWWA (ISAWWA) recently participated as an exhibitor at the Illinois School Counselor Conference in Itasca, where staff had the opportunity to highlight the association’s growing portfolio of educator resources and careers-in-water outreach programs. Throughout the event, school counselors from across the state stopped by to learn how they can introduce students to the world of water through hands-on experiences and classroom-ready materials.

Conversations made one thing clear: counselors are eager for opportunities that help students explore real-world careers. The most requested offerings included plant tours, career panels, and job shadowing, reflecting strong interest in connecting students directly with water professionals and utility operations.

ISAWWA also gathered insights on what educators are seeking at different grade levels.
Program demand by level includes:

· High School: Strong interest in plant tours, job shadowing, pre-apprenticeship opportunities, and career panels

· Middle School: High engagement with plant tours, lesson plans, career panels, and curriculum connections

· Elementary School: Steady interest in lesson plans, career panels, and introductory plant tour experiences

·Pre-K / Kindergarten: Popular requests included simple lesson activities and early-exposure plant tours

ISAWWA continuously curates and develops resources that help students and teachers discover pathways into vital water sector careers. Click these links to view high school, middle school, elementary school curriculum connections to the water industry.

Bring career pathways to life- host a plant tour, lead a career panel, or offer job shadowing. Contact Laura Morgan to explore how your organization can inspire the next generation.