News

New Haven Students Put Their Innovation And Problem-Solving Skills On Display At The RWA

May 03, 2018

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) recently tapped the bright minds of a group of students from the Cooperative Arts & Humanities Magnet School in New Haven. The students came to the RWA for Junior Achievement at Work, an event coordinated by Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. They were introduced to careers in the water utility industry, learned about the water treatment and delivery process, and participated in a competition to develop solutions to four business marketing challenges faced by the RWA.

“This trip to the RWA really opened up my eyes as to what goes on in water treatment because I never really knew that so much goes into getting clean water to me,” said Adia Sakura-Llemessy, a student at Co-op High School.

“I learned a lot about what goes on at the RWA. We did a friendly competition, and I’m all for friendly competition, it helped me learn a lot more about recycling and things like that,” said Nadia Gaskins, another student at Co-op High School.

“We take our charge of providing reliable, high-quality water to the communities we serve very seriously, and I’m so glad that we could share how we do that with these young students,” said Kate Powell, Communications and Outreach Manager for the RWA. “I hope the students left with a better understanding of where their water comes from. We greatly appreciated their excitement, enthusiasm, and the ideas they shared for how the RWA can better market some of its programs. I hope the day convinced some of these students to consider a career in the water industry when they finish their education.”

“Junior Achievement could not be more appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Regional Water Authority,” said Nicole Diorio, Director of Education & Specialty Programs for Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. “In one day we were able to open the doors of an industry that impacts all mankind. The day allowed students to go beyond the surface of what they thought the RWA was. They not only learned about the vast career opportunities that may await them, but they also got to work side by side with RWA associates to solve real life marketing needs. Our students that were present on this day have all the potential in the world. It was exciting to see them so engaged and excited for all that they were exposed to.”