Take a Deep Dive into Environmental Careers
Curious about a job that helps the planet? Join our week-long environmental careers course and explore cool jobs through hands-on activities, field trips, and real talks with people doing the work today. Pick one of three tracks that interests you most, and see if it’s a good fit for your future. You’ll even get a stipend for completing the program — and walk away with something to boost your resume. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
2026 Dates TBA!
“I really valued talking to the different panelists and actual professionals in these careers. You’re learning from people who do this every day which was really impactful to me.”
— Civil Engineering Track Participant
"This whole week felt very memorable, and I was comfortable being myself. Every day was a new discovery about careers in water quality, and everyone was very inviting and welcoming. Overall the experience was great."
— Environmental Health & Water Quality Track Participant
"Through this program I realized that I actually do want to pursue a career in water quality. All of the site visits were fun and informative, everyone I met was super kind and I enjoyed myself!"
— Environmental Health & Water Quality Track Participant
"I absolutely loved having the opportunity to do in-person research on careers I'm interested in as well as expanding my overall knowledge."
— Blue/Green Trades Track Participant
“I really liked touring the facilities and project sites. I always wondered why these projects were being built and what their purpose was. Now I understand how/why these projects and facilities are operating!”
— Civil Engineering Track Participant
Waves of Change: A Week in the Life
Dive into a week of hands-on exploration with Waves of Change, where Milwaukee youth get active in learning about environmental careers! This video recap showcases real activities, field experiences, and the everyday discoveries that helped participants connect with meaningful work in Civil Engineering, Environmental Health & Water Quality and Blue/Green Trades.
Civil engineers design and build things like stormwater systems, wastewater treatment plants, and green infrastructure that helps keep pollution out of our rivers and lakes. They figure out how to manage flooding, improve drinking water, and make sure communities are safe and sustainable. If you like using math, science, and creativity to solve real-world problems, this could be the path for you.
Environmental health and water quality careers focus on keeping our water clean and safe to drink, swim in, and use every day. You might test water samples in a lab, check for pollution in lakes and rivers, or help track down where contamination is coming from. If you’re into science, like solving mysteries, and want to protect people and the planet, this could be a great fit.
Blue-green trade jobs like laborers, steamfitters, electricians and plumbers help build and maintain the systems that manage our water — like pipes, sewers, and clean energy equipment. You could be working outside, using tools, and being part of big projects that keep water flowing safely and protect the environment. If you like hands-on work, being active, and making a solid living while helping your community, these jobs are a great option.
