Students within the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District (HPWD) service area are encouraged to submit applications for the 2019- 2020 Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors program. Deadline for submissions is May 15.

Each year, high school age youth are selected to join the program which provides knowledge about management of water resources in Texas.

“HPWD is proud to be among the supporters of the Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors program. This is a great opportunity to mentor future water leaders for our state,” said Carmon McCain, HPWD Information/Education Supervisor.

HPWD provided grant funding for the program, which began in 2017. Those chosen will participate in a summer 4-H2O Youth Leadership Academy. This tour, set for July 13-20, allows students to meet with statewide water professionals and observe conservation practices. 

"The Panhandle-South Plains region is one of the tour stops each year. HPWD is pleased to have the students visit our office where they learn more about management of local groundwater resources. We also accompany them to a rainwater harvesting installation while they are in Lubbock," said McCain.

A leadership, mentorship, and community service component is included as part of the program. Texas 4-H Water Ambassadors commit to a minimum of 40 hours of service during a 12-month period. This is earned by presenting water education programs to local 4-H clubs, schools, fairs, and other community events. In addition, the students may also assist their local water utilities, groundwater conservation districts, and County Extension Agents in their water outreach programs.

"The ambassadorship is a 12-month commitment starting in July 2019. Those ambassadors who fulfill the minimum 40 hours of service will be invited to continue their terms for the next year," said David W. Smith, TX 4-H20 Ambassador Program Coordinator. " Last year's participants must complete 20 hours service by March 1 to be invited to serve a second term as a Tier II 4-H Water Ambassador." 

Applicants must be 14 years of age or older as of Aug. 31, 2019, and must be entering the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade in the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year. The application also requires three short essays and two letters of reference.

There is a $250 participation fee due by June 10. Applicants do not have to be a current member of Texas 4-H, but must agree to become a 4-H member and pay a $25 annual membership fee, if selected. Persons accepted into the program will be notified by June 1.
 
Created in 1951 by local residents and the Texas Legislature, the High Plains Water District works to conserve, preserve, protect, and prevent the waste of underground water within its 16-county service area. HPWD is the first groundwater conservation district created in Texas.
 
Be sure to “like” the High Plains Water District Facebook page to receive updates on district activities or follow us on Twitter at @HPUWCD. Visit our website at www.hpwd.org.

Source: is HPUWCD, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.