Freshwater Collaborative Announces $4.2 Million for Water Research and Workforce Development

MILWAUKEE, Wis., Sept. 17, 2025 — The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin has committed to investing more than $4.2 million in funding for the current biennium (FY26 and FY27) to support water education and water research programs that will bolster Wisconsin’s water workforce for years to come.

The 19 new projects involve faculty, staff and students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin as well as dozens of partners from industry, government, local communities, tribal nations, nonprofits and K-12 education. They will increase research and training opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students and will address Wisconsin’s biggest water challenges, including PFAS and phosphorus pollution.

“The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin shows the power of our universities when we come together to address Wisconsin’s needs,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “By expanding water-related degree programs and providing students with professional training opportunities, our universities are preparing future leaders while also strengthening Wisconsin’s economy, protecting our natural resources, and serving communities and industries throughout our state.”

Most of the funding will be invested in sustaining and expanding successful programs that have been established over the past five years. This includes summer camps and internships for high school students; hands-on courses that involve water-related fieldwork and lab experiences; programs that allow undergraduate students to conduct relevant freshwater research; and university-led water projects that help fulfill community, industry and government agency needs.

A portion of funding will support innovative ideas, including a new course in river studies, PFAS research, the development of a tool to assess water quality, and a community-based project addressing peatlands.

“The Freshwater Collaborative has helped campuses develop innovative statewide courses, programs and research collaborations over the past five years,” said Marissa Jablonski, executive director for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. “With this latest round of funding, we are committing to ongoing investment in those programs that will best recruit and train the next generation of water professionals to address the needs of Wisconsin.”

Grant descriptions for the latest funded projects are available at freshwater.wisconsin.edu/freshwater-collaborative-funded-projects-2025.

The funding is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers, to tackle Wisconsin’s grand water challenges and support recruitment, hands-on curriculum, undergraduate research opportunities, career development, and field training experiences for students interested in water-related careers.

About the Freshwater Collaborative
The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is training the next generation of water professionals to solve global water problems through academic programs, collaborative research and career development across the Universities of Wisconsin. Learn more at freshwater.wisconsin.edu.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.