Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center at ESU Partners with Kansas Water Office, Expanding Water Education and Engagement
Emporia State University's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC) is partnering with the Kansas Water Office to launch a Water Ambassadors Program, enabling high school students to become leaders in water conservation and natural resources. The program consists of four summer on-campus half-day sessions, where participants will receive hands-on experiences with tours and educational community outreach. Topics will be focused on water, aquatic habitats, local water utilities and interaction with state leaders who promote water resource sustainability. The PAROC outreach team will select 20 students to participate in the program. The application process can be completed online and must be submitted by May 1, 2026.
Students selected for the program will receive training from the PAROC staff, ESU students and faculty, among other industry experts. Students will receive real-world experience, gaining leadership skills as they learn to engage directly with the community through various PAROC outreach events such as pre-K Science Storytime, Science Saturday, Science Camps, activities at local schools and other community events. Educational topics include erosion, increasing sedimentation of reservoirs, pollution, the impact on aquatic ecosystems and how to be good stewards of this shared resource.
“As the only Kansas university with an on-campus aquatic research and outreach facility, ESU prides itself on being a core resource for education and advocacy of local water initiatives,” said Dr. R. Brent Thomas, ESU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We look forward to fostering the next generation of water stewards through this innovative program.”
Upon completion of the training program, ambassadors must commit to donating time to at least three outreach events during a 12-month period. Service hours will be earned by delivering water-focused education at PAROC outreach events.
The project is funded in part by the Kansas Water Plan Fund, courtesy of the Kansas Water Office. To be eligible, applicants must be current high school students. The application requires a written essay and two recommendation letters. The ambassador training program runs from 1-4 p.m. on June 13 and 20 and July 18 and 25.
For questions about the program, contact Alexandra Hayes, PAROC outreach and engagement coordinator, at ahayes7@emporia.edu.