American Water, the nation’s largest regulated water and wastewater utility based in Camden, has officially launched its 2026 Future Wavemakers Internship Program. This year, the company welcomes 56 college interns to its workplaces across the United States, marking a significant investment in the future of the water industry.
The program, which kicks off as the company celebrates its 140th anniversary, is designed to provide students with immersion into the complexities of utility management, ranging from engineering and operations to finance and communications.
The Future Wavemakers program is structured around mentorship and professional development. Interns are tasked with real-world capstone projects that directly impact American Water’s organizational goals, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to critical infrastructure challenges.
“The future of the water industry relies on investing in people,” Lori Sutton, EVP and chief human resources officer at American Water said. “Through initiatives such as the Future Wavemakers Internship Program, American Water is committed to cultivating opportunities for emerging talent while continuously supporting the development of its existing workforce.”
The internship program is a cornerstone of American Water’s broader “Flow Forward” strategy, which aims to strengthen the talent pipeline at every stage of education and career development. Other key initiatives highlighted by the company include:
- Flow Forward: A summer camp for high school students focusing on resume building, interview prep, and industry networking.
- Water UP!: A partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey that provides adults in local communities with hands-on training in water treatment, safety, and distribution.
- Hopeworks Partnership: A collaboration with the Camden-based nonprofit to train and hire young adults for specialized geographic information system (GIS) projects.
As a major New Jersey employer, American Water’s focus on local partnerships—such as those with Rowan College and Hopeworks—underscores its commitment to the economic vitality of South Jersey. By providing diverse entry points into the utility sector, the company is helping to address the industry-wide need for skilled professionals in water treatment and environmental safety.
“American Water remains dedicated to strengthening its talent pipeline and building stronger communities through innovative workforce development programs,” the company stated in its announcement.
Learn more about American Water’s workforce here.
