2025-2026
The Newark Watershed Science & Leadership Academy (NWSLA)
Empowering Students through Water
Applications are now LIVE!
10-12 graders in the Newark Public Schools District: Apply for the NWSLA today!
Deadline: May 15, 2026
The NWSLA is a STEM-based student enrichment program led by the City of Newark Department of Water & Sewer Utilities, in partnership with the Newark Board of Education, to introduce Newark students in grades 6-12 to their city’s watershed, infrastructure, water treatment operations, and the myriad of professional career opportunities available in the water sector.
The NWSLA is preparing and recruiting the next generation of Newark water professionals.
Founded in 2018 by former assistant director of Water & Sewer Tiffany M. Stewart, Esq., the NWSLA program offers two types of experiences:
Educational Experiences that highlight the fascinating Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant and the 39,000–acre watershed property owned by the City of Newark, given throughout the school year to 6th graders in Newark schools.
A 25-day summer program operating in partnership with the Newark Board of Education’s Summer Enrichment Program. Eligible for rising 10th to 12th graders, the summer class will instruct students on various STEM topics relating to Newark’s water system, such as sourcewater management, water treatment, infrastructure, and leadership skills for personal and professional development. Students will be introduced to the world of water through practical, real-world experience of the daily operations of Newark’s water system.
The NWSLA connects Newark students as young as 6th grade to careers in the water industry.
Educational Experiences at the Newark Watershed (2025-2026)
The City of Newark Department of Water and Sewer Utilities holds weekly educational experiences of the Newark Watershed for 6th grade Newark students throughout the 2025-2026 school year. This includes a visit to at least one of five Newark-owned reservoirs (such as Charlotteburg Dam), the Newark-Pequannock Water Treatment Plant, water sampling laboratory, and the Recreation Center at Echo Lake Reservoir.
The experience gives students early exposure to valuable careers in the water industry, including but not limited to: water treatment operator, chemist, laboratory technician, civil/mechanical/electrical engineering, environmental engineering, forester, biologist, accountants, procurement experts, public information officers, IT and GIS analysts, and more!
2026 NWSLA Summer Program
The Newark Water & Sewer Department, in partnership with the Newark Board of Education, is excited to host its FIRST cohort of Newark Public School students at the 2025-2026 NWSLA Summer Program!
To be eligible, you MUST:
Be a rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student
Attend a Newark Public School
Applications are LIVE until May 15, 2026.
Apply today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Your student must be a rising 10th, 11th , or 12th grader in a Newark Public School. If your child meets this criteria, visit page 14 of the NBOE summer program booklet for more information.
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No. At this time, students must be a rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade student in a Newark Public School ONLY. However, we aim to make the program available to more students in the future. Check back next year!
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No. For the 25-26 school year, we are providing educational experiences to pre-selected 6th grade classes in Newark Public Schools. We aim to provide this experience to more students in the future. Check back next year!
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Email us at NWSLA@ci.newark.nj.us
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Email us at NWSLA@ci.newark.nj.us