The Crossing the Divide project create connections and fosters learning among CU Boulder, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) water user community on topics related water and climate in the West through two major activities – The UCRB Water Forum and the Water Fellows program.

The UCRB Water Forum, hosted at CMU, will bring CU Boulder experts to present on their research alongside CMU and community-based experts. They will also participate in student-oriented networking events. Additionally, Crossing the Divide will provide stipends to cover Forum registration fees for members of the water user community and CMU faculty to incentivize their attendance. Preference will be given to attendees from underrepresented backgrounds.

Water Fellows is a yearlong program that facilitates  learning, mentoring and networking for underrepresented students in the water field. In Fall 2023, the Water Fellows program will engage with CU Boulder and CMU units as well as local high schools that serve underrepresented students  to advertise and encourage participation in the program. Water Fellows will be linked with a mentor (water professional or scientist) and meet with them at a networking event at the Forum. After the Forum, mentors will meet with Water Fellows to identify topics for further investigation and learning, discuss job interests, and share their networks to assist Fellows in identifying summer internships and other opportunities. In Spring 2024,  Fellows will continue to receive mentoring, pursue networking opportunities, receive assistance with internship placement, and attend a final online gathering at which they will present their learning.

• Water Fellows Program

  Additional Info

  CU and CMU students from underrepresented populations will be participate in the Water Fellows program. Fellows will be paired with a water professional mentors and they will then meet in person at the Water Forum at a networking event. They will have two individual follow up meetings to discuss water topics and job/internship opportunities. Finally we will convene to group virtually.

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  Location

  in colorado

  Grand Junction

  Dates

  10/30/2023 - 3/31/2024

  Public or Private

  Private Program (by request only or for a specific audience or group)

  Program Fee

  No charge to attend/participate in activity or program

• Upper Colorado River Basin Water Forum

  Additional Info

  The UCRB Water Forum is a 2-day conference at at CMU in Grand Junction, CO that brings together water professionals and experts from the Upper Colorado River Basin community, CMU, and CU Boulder.

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  Location

  in colorado

  Grand Junction

  Dates

  10/30/2023 - 10/31/2023

  Public or Private

  Public Program (open to the public)

  Program Fee

  Yes