Students from San Bernardino and Highland can now prepare for a career in the water and wastewater industry. San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) and East Valley Water District (EVWD) celebrated the launch of the Water and Resource Management Career Pathway with a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside students, local leaders, and community partners on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Indian Springs High School.
The Water and Wastewater Pathway at Indian Springs High School is strategically located near EVWD’s new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. The Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC) will provide a sustainable new water supply to boost the region’s water independence. With the ability to treat up to 10 million gallons a day, the SNRC will recover clean water, energy, and nutrients from wastewater while also providing a space for education and training, community events, and local employment opportunities.
East Valley Water District General Manager/ CEO, John Mura, first presented the partnership to the Board of Education in July 2019. With the vision for the pathway to build community and develop leaders. “Everyday water and wastewater professionals work to protect the world’s most precious resource,” Mura added. “Our community depends on us to maintain safe and reliable water and water systems. This pathway program and partnership with SBCUSD takes steps to develop the next stewards of our community.”
Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden, whose 8-year tenure at SBCUSD focused on expanding skilled job training opportunities for high school students said, “The partnership with East Valley is win-win for our students, our community, and the water district. It symbolizes the collaboration between public education and workforce leaders that is vital to uplifting our community.”
As a longtime resident of the area, East Valley Water District Chairman of the Board, David Smith recognized the ISHS pathway students for taking steps toward their career as water and wastewater professionals. He stated, “We want to commend these students for being the first participants in this program and acknowledge the courage it takes to lead by example. We are proud of this group of young innovators.”
By training local students in the unique skillset of wastewater treatment, members of this community could be hired to fill technical positions. SBCUSD has more than 50 pathways designed to prepare high school students for college and careers. The addition of the new Water and Resource Management Pathway brings the total to three pathways at ISHS alongside the Academy of Health Sciences and Medical Technology and Academy of Manufacturing and Product Development Design.
For more information about East Valley Water District or the Water and Resource Management Career Pathway, contact Melissa Valdez, Public Affairs Manager, at mvaldez@eastvalley.org.
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