Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin commits $4.2 million in funding to bolster student training and workforce development

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 University of Wisconsin-Platteville is taking part in a project that aligns with that mission by giving its students a transformative experience in the classroom and the field.

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."

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is playing a vital role in addressing Wisconsin's most pressing water challenges through its involvement in the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin project. Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Sanford, assistant professor of soil and crop science, UW-Platteville is collaborating with three other UW institutions on the project that connects agriculture and water systems through immersive student experiences. This initiative offers students hands-on learning through a rotating field experience and expert-led seminar series, equipping them with the skills and insight to drive innovation in sustainable agriculture and freshwater management across the state.

Most of the funding for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin 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."

Leveraging the Strength of the Wisconsin Agriculture-Water Nexus Network for Transformative Student Experiences

Collaborating Institutions: UW-Platteville, UW-Green Bay, UW-Stevens Point, UW-River Falls

Project Description: The Wisconsin Agriculture-Water Nexus Network gives students new ways to explore how agriculture and water are connected. This project brings together four UW campuses which will participate annually in a seminar series and field experience. The seminar series includes talks from researchers, farmers and community partners who provide diverse perspectives on agriculture and water challenges. In addition, students participate in a field-based experience that rotates annually among different regions of Wisconsin, exposing students to a variety of agricultural practices and water issues across the state. By linking expertise across campuses and communities, the program prepares future leaders to develop practical, innovative solutions for resilient agriculture and freshwater systems.

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.