Water Research Foundation Offers $250,000 Research Grant to Measure the Return on Investment of Internships, Apprenticeships and Development Programs

<p data-start="153" data-end="648">The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has announced a new <strong data-start="209" data-end="238">Research Priority Program</strong> opportunity seeking research proposals that will examine the return on investment (ROI) of internships, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs. The initiative is designed to help utilities better understand whether these programs deliver measurable organizational value and how they can contribute to workforce retention, recruitment, career advancement, and reduced dependence on external labor.</p> <p data-start="650" data-end="980">With <strong data-start="655" data-end="688">$250,000 in funding available</strong>, the research opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers, academic institutions, water and wastewater utilities, workforce development specialists, and organizations with expertise in human resources, talent development, organizational performance, and utility workforce management.</p> <p data-start="982" data-end="1208">The research will focus on developing evidence-based approaches that utilities can use to assess the effectiveness and financial value of investments in internships, apprenticeships, and other employee development initiatives.</p> <p data-start="1210" data-end="1303">The <strong data-start="1214" data-end="1303">application deadline is September 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time (US &amp; Canada).</strong></p> <h2 data-section-id="18de3j" data-start="1305" data-end="1328">Opportunity Overview</h2> <p data-start="1330" data-end="1553">The Water Research Foundation&#8217;s Research Priority Program is inviting proposals under <strong data-start="1416" data-end="1458">Research Priority Program project 5414</strong>, titled <strong data-start="1467" data-end="1553">&#8220;Return on Investment for Internships, Apprenticeships, and Development Programs.&#8221;</strong></p> <p data-start="1555" data-end="1839">The project recognizes that water and wastewater utilities face significant workforce challenges, including the need to recruit skilled employees, retain workers in critical positions, fill vacancies efficiently, develop internal talent, and reduce dependence on external recruitment.</p> <p data-start="1841" data-end="2092">Internships, apprenticeships, and professional development programs can play an important role in addressing these challenges. However, organizations often need stronger evidence to demonstrate the financial and operational value of these investments.</p> <p data-start="2094" data-end="2271">This research project aims to address that gap by developing a clearer understanding of the measurable return utilities receive from investing in workforce development programs.</p> <p data-start="2273" data-end="2508">The selected research team will therefore be expected to investigate how these programs influence important workforce and organizational outcomes while developing practical tools that utilities can use when making investment decisions.</p> <h2 data-section-id="82a891" data-start="2510" data-end="2530">Funding Available</h2> <p data-start="2532" data-end="2594">A total of <strong data-start="2543" data-end="2555">$250,000</strong> is available for the research project.</p> <p data-start="2596" data-end="2790">The funding is intended to support research that can generate practical and credible evidence about the value of internships, apprenticeships, and development programs within the utility sector.</p> <p data-start="2792" data-end="3034">Applicants should carefully review the official Research Priority Program guidelines, research request for proposals, budget requirements, financial and grant management guidance, and other application documents before preparing a submission.</p> <h2 data-section-id="zf4qqo" data-start="3036" data-end="3058">Research Objectives</h2> <p data-start="3060" data-end="3210">The central purpose of the opportunity is to quantify the return on investment associated with internships, apprenticeships, and development programs.</p> <p data-start="3212" data-end="3251">The project has three major objectives.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1wrtihv" data-start="3253" data-end="3293">1. Quantify the Return on Investment</h3> <p data-start="3295" data-end="3450">The research should examine the financial and organizational returns associated with investments in internships, apprenticeships, and development programs.</p> <p data-start="3452" data-end="3674">This means moving beyond simply determining whether a program exists or how many participants it serves. Instead, the research should help utilities understand the measurable value generated by these workforce initiatives.</p> <p data-start="3676" data-end="3716">Potential areas of analysis may include:</p> <ul data-start="3718" data-end="4219"> <li data-section-id="k013yp" data-start="3718" data-end="3790">Costs associated with establishing and operating development programs.</li> <li data-section-id="13cwhzm" data-start="3791" data-end="3826">Recruitment and onboarding costs.</li> <li data-section-id="11yanlc" data-start="3827" data-end="3848">Employee retention.</li> <li data-section-id="15941l5" data-start="3849" data-end="3870">Workforce turnover.</li> <li data-section-id="165d3m3" data-start="3871" data-end="3912">Time required to fill vacant positions.</li> <li data-section-id="14kci0h" data-start="3913" data-end="3950">Internal promotion and advancement.</li> <li data-section-id="sp395m" data-start="3951" data-end="3997">Development of employees for critical roles.</li> <li data-section-id="g6a3o1" data-start="3998" data-end="4043">Reduced dependence on external recruitment.</li> <li data-section-id="12cxp67" data-start="4044" data-end="4100">Workforce productivity and organizational performance.</li> <li data-section-id="k5r6hk" data-start="4101" data-end="4141">Long-term talent pipeline development.</li> <li data-section-id="7q44gk" data-start="4142" data-end="4219">Potential savings associated with improved retention and internal mobility.</li> </ul> <p data-start="4221" data-end="4397">By quantifying these outcomes, the research can help utilities make stronger evidence-based decisions about whether and how much to invest in workforce development initiatives.</p> <h3 data-section-id="10qja94" data-start="4399" data-end="4462">2. Assess Effectiveness in Critical and High-Turnover Roles</h3> <p data-start="4464" data-end="4628">The project will also examine how internships, apprenticeships, and development programs support positions that are particularly difficult to recruit for or retain.</p> <p data-start="4630" data-end="4827">Utilities often depend on employees with specialized technical knowledge and experience. When these employees leave, organizations may face significant challenges in finding qualified replacements.</p> <p data-start="4829" data-end="4973">The research will therefore assess whether workforce development programs can contribute to better outcomes in critical and high-turnover roles.</p> <p data-start="4975" data-end="5016">Important areas of investigation include:</p> <ul data-start="5018" data-end="5617"> <li data-section-id="exx891" data-start="5018" data-end="5183"><strong data-start="5020" data-end="5043">Employee retention:</strong> Whether employees who participate in internships, apprenticeships, or development programs remain with the organization for longer periods.</li> <li data-section-id="d2qles" data-start="5184" data-end="5305"><strong data-start="5186" data-end="5203">Time to fill:</strong> Whether developing talent internally can reduce the amount of time required to fill vacant positions.</li> <li data-section-id="1j80zod" data-start="5306" data-end="5455"><strong data-start="5308" data-end="5333">Internal advancement:</strong> Whether participants are more likely to progress into higher-level or more specialized positions within the organization.</li> <li data-section-id="1afiy74" data-start="5456" data-end="5617"><strong data-start="5458" data-end="5497">Reduced reliance on external labor:</strong> Whether organizations can build stronger internal talent pipelines and reduce their dependence on external recruitment.</li> </ul> <p data-start="5619" data-end="5792">These findings could provide utilities with practical evidence about which workforce development strategies are most effective for addressing persistent staffing challenges.</p> <h3 data-section-id="19hxi2v" data-start="5794" data-end="5861">3. Develop a Business Case Framework and Decision-Support Tools</h3> <p data-start="5863" data-end="6048">Another important objective is to develop a framework that utilities can use to evaluate, communicate, and justify investments in internships, apprenticeships, and development programs.</p> <p data-start="6050" data-end="6213">This is particularly important because workforce development initiatives can sometimes be difficult to justify using traditional short-term financial measurements.</p> <p data-start="6215" data-end="6335">A comprehensive business case framework could help decision-makers assess both the costs and benefits of these programs.</p> <p data-start="6337" data-end="6484">The research is also expected to contribute to <strong data-start="6384" data-end="6410">decision-support tools</strong> that utilities can use when evaluating workforce development investments.</p> <p data-start="6486" data-end="6534">Such tools could potentially help organizations:</p> <ol data-start="6536" data-end="6862"> <li data-section-id="aa2mlq" data-start="6536" data-end="6562">Estimate program costs.</li> <li data-section-id="wmytt1" data-start="6563" data-end="6603">Identify relevant workforce outcomes.</li> <li data-section-id="1wt230i" data-start="6604" data-end="6638">Measure retention and turnover.</li> <li data-section-id="o3z2sc" data-start="6639" data-end="6680">Calculate recruitment-related savings.</li> <li data-section-id="uzq7kr" data-start="6681" data-end="6712">Assess internal advancement.</li> <li data-section-id="4snqpq" data-start="6713" data-end="6767">Compare different workforce development approaches.</li> <li data-section-id="1ia1tmp" data-start="6768" data-end="6812">Communicate results to senior management.</li> <li data-section-id="12v9fop" data-start="6813" data-end="6862">Support future workforce investment decisions.</li> </ol> <p data-start="6864" data-end="6989">The ultimate goal is to provide utilities with practical resources rather than research findings that remain purely academic.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1fr93is" data-start="6991" data-end="7019">Why This Research Matters</h2> <p data-start="7021" data-end="7253">The water sector depends heavily on a capable and sustainable workforce. As utilities compete for skilled professionals and technical workers, organizations need effective strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining talent.</p> <p data-start="7255" data-end="7484">Internships and apprenticeships can provide pathways for individuals to enter the water and wastewater workforce, while professional development programs can help existing employees acquire new skills and prepare for advancement.</p> <p data-start="7486" data-end="7536">However, organizations may face questions such as:</p> <ul data-start="7538" data-end="8162"> <li data-section-id="1dh9fci" data-start="7538" data-end="7612">How much does an internship program actually return to the organization?</li> <li data-section-id="bo1zhd" data-start="7613" data-end="7686">Do apprentices remain with the utility after completing their training?</li> <li data-section-id="ha1rrz" data-start="7687" data-end="7777">Are employees who participate in development programs more likely to advance internally?</li> <li data-section-id="11a0gh1" data-start="7778" data-end="7831">Can workforce development reduce employee turnover?</li> <li data-section-id="1kahl3x" data-start="7832" data-end="7895">Can developing employees internally reduce recruitment costs?</li> <li data-section-id="10e3iyj" data-start="7896" data-end="7978">How quickly can an organization recover its investment in a development program?</li> <li data-section-id="irqeqk" data-start="7979" data-end="8051">Which workforce development approaches generate the strongest results?</li> <li data-section-id="1ugtms0" data-start="8052" data-end="8162">How can utility leaders demonstrate the value of these programs to senior management and other stakeholders?</li> </ul> <p data-start="8164" data-end="8257">The proposed research is intended to help answer these questions through systematic analysis.</p> <h2 data-section-id="qutvw4" data-start="8259" data-end="8298">Key Areas the Research Could Examine</h2> <p data-start="8300" data-end="8422">The opportunity has several interconnected areas that applicants should consider when developing their research proposals.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1tvjtzi" data-start="8424" data-end="8447">Workforce Retention</h3> <p data-start="8449" data-end="8517">Employee retention is a major component of workforce sustainability.</p> <p data-start="8519" data-end="8700">The research will examine whether participation in internships, apprenticeships, and development programs contributes to employees remaining with an organization for longer periods.</p> <p data-start="8702" data-end="8854">A better understanding of retention outcomes could help utilities determine whether workforce development investments can reduce turnover-related costs.</p> <h3 data-section-id="19lfyy8" data-start="8856" data-end="8888">Recruitment and Time to Fill</h3> <p data-start="8890" data-end="9031">Vacancies in specialized utility positions can remain open for extended periods when organizations struggle to identify qualified candidates.</p> <p data-start="9033" data-end="9158">The project will assess whether workforce development programs can help shorten the time required to fill critical positions.</p> <p data-start="9160" data-end="9282">Developing employees internally could potentially create a more predictable talent pipeline and reduce recruitment delays.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1rvetaj" data-start="9284" data-end="9315">Internal Career Advancement</h3> <p data-start="9317" data-end="9379">Career progression is another important area of investigation.</p> <p data-start="9381" data-end="9528">Development programs may help employees acquire the technical, managerial, and professional competencies required to move into more advanced roles.</p> <p data-start="9530" data-end="9657">The research will therefore consider the extent to which these programs contribute to internal advancement and career mobility.</p> <h3 data-section-id="zniuf3" data-start="9659" data-end="9699">Reduced Dependence on External Labor</h3> <p data-start="9701" data-end="9805">Organizations frequently turn to external recruitment when qualified workers cannot be found internally.</p> <p data-start="9807" data-end="10002">By building structured talent pipelines through internships, apprenticeships, and employee development programs, utilities may be able to fill more positions from within their existing workforce.</p> <p data-start="10004" data-end="10126">The research will examine whether this approach can reduce reliance on external labor and associated recruitment expenses.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1asfh6m" data-start="10128" data-end="10169">Expected Practical Value for Utilities</h2> <p data-start="10171" data-end="10309">One of the strongest features of the opportunity is its focus on producing results that can be applied directly within the utility sector.</p> <p data-start="10311" data-end="10407">The research should help organizations make more informed decisions about workforce investments.</p> <p data-start="10409" data-end="10436">Potential benefits include:</p> <ul data-start="10438" data-end="10954"> <li data-section-id="1cyiwfa" data-start="10438" data-end="10509">Better understanding of the financial value of workforce development.</li> <li data-section-id="a7s7zt" data-start="10510" data-end="10540">Improved workforce planning.</li> <li data-section-id="cukqms" data-start="10541" data-end="10572">Stronger succession planning.</li> <li data-section-id="2egdtr" data-start="10573" data-end="10613">More effective recruitment strategies.</li> <li data-section-id="18reh9q" data-start="10614" data-end="10644">Improved employee retention.</li> <li data-section-id="1401o5u" data-start="10645" data-end="10673">Greater internal mobility.</li> <li data-section-id="1rq8xpp" data-start="10674" data-end="10721">More efficient filling of critical positions.</li> <li data-section-id="udgpoe" data-start="10722" data-end="10763">Reduced recruitment and turnover costs.</li> <li data-section-id="14fr32r" data-start="10764" data-end="10818">Stronger evidence for workforce development budgets.</li> <li data-section-id="oh8iog" data-start="10819" data-end="10893">Improved communication between workforce managers and senior leadership.</li> <li data-section-id="tgow9h" data-start="10894" data-end="10954">Better tools for comparing different development programs.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="15pg5r2" data-start="10956" data-end="10997">Potential Participants in the Research</h2> <p data-start="10999" data-end="11145">The Water Research Foundation indicates that several utilities and organizations have already expressed interest in participating in the research.</p> <p data-start="11147" data-end="11189">The listed potential participants include:</p> <ul data-start="11191" data-end="11406"> <li data-section-id="6ybgc7" data-start="11191" data-end="11225"><strong data-start="11193" data-end="11212">Ann Arbor Water</strong> in Michigan.</li> <li data-section-id="4jvyb3" data-start="11226" data-end="11258"><strong data-start="11228" data-end="11257">City of Decatur, Illinois</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="re3wck" data-start="11259" data-end="11321"><strong data-start="11261" data-end="11306">King County Wastewater Treatment Division</strong> in Washington.</li> <li data-section-id="d3cs6u" data-start="11322" data-end="11363"><strong data-start="11324" data-end="11351">Orange County Utilities</strong> in Florida.</li> <li data-section-id="hbnmja" data-start="11364" data-end="11406"><strong data-start="11366" data-end="11392">Resource Renew (WLSSD)</strong> in Minnesota.</li> </ul> <p data-start="11408" data-end="11550">The Foundation notes that this information is updated frequently as additional utilities are encouraged to volunteer throughout the RFP cycle.</p> <p data-start="11552" data-end="11715">The involvement of utilities can be valuable because the research requires practical insight into workforce development programs and their organizational outcomes.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="11717" data-end="11740">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="11742" data-end="11784">Applicants must submit their proposals by:</p> <p data-start="11786" data-end="11851"><strong data-start="11786" data-end="11851">September 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time (US &amp; Canada).</strong></p> <p data-start="11853" data-end="12039">Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin preparing their submissions, particularly because the application requires several supporting documents and financial information.</p> <h2 data-section-id="acv175" data-start="12041" data-end="12079">Application Documents and Resources</h2> <p data-start="12081" data-end="12214">Applicants are expected to consult the official materials provided by the Water Research Foundation before preparing their proposals.</p> <p data-start="12216" data-end="12248">The available documents include:</p> <h3 data-section-id="b5eugz" data-start="12250" data-end="12299">2026 Guidelines for Research Priority Program</h3> <p data-start="12301" data-end="12457">These guidelines provide important information about the Research Priority Program and the requirements applicants need to follow when developing proposals.</p> <h3 data-section-id="e1v2do" data-start="12459" data-end="12495">Certification and Assurance Form</h3> <p data-start="12497" data-end="12616">Applicants should review and complete the relevant certification and assurance documentation required for the proposal.</p> <h3 data-section-id="hn9l53" data-start="12618" data-end="12645">Co-Funding Support Form</h3> <p data-start="12647" data-end="12779">Where applicable, applicants should use the co-funding documentation to provide information concerning additional financial support.</p> <h3 data-section-id="3c3lu5" data-start="12781" data-end="12809">Current and Pending Form</h3> <p data-start="12811" data-end="12942">This form is intended to capture information about current and pending research or funding commitments relevant to the application.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1i7o20g" data-start="12944" data-end="13000">Financial and Grant Management Researcher Guidelines</h3> <p data-start="13002" data-end="13142">Applicants should review these guidelines to understand the financial and grant management expectations associated with WRF-funded research.</p> <h3 data-section-id="ez53g2" data-start="13144" data-end="13192">Financial Grant Management Capabilities Form</h3> <p data-start="13194" data-end="13278">This document addresses the applicant&#8217;s financial and grant management capabilities.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1rez9pm" data-start="13280" data-end="13319">Instructions for Budget Preparation</h3> <p data-start="13321" data-end="13409">Applicants should follow the specified requirements when developing the research budget.</p> <h3 data-section-id="mtsal5" data-start="13411" data-end="13435">Proposal Budget Form</h3> <p data-start="13437" data-end="13516">A proposal budget spreadsheet is provided as part of the application materials.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1vj9jzf" data-start="13518" data-end="13530">RFP-5414</h3> <p data-start="13532" data-end="13730">The official <strong data-start="13545" data-end="13557">RFP-5414</strong> document contains the specific request for proposals for the research project concerning the return on investment of internships, apprenticeships, and development programs.</p> <h2 data-section-id="aq5r5d" data-start="13732" data-end="13767">How to Prepare a Strong Proposal</h2> <p data-start="13769" data-end="13890">Applicants interested in this opportunity should ensure that their proposals directly respond to the research objectives.</p> <p data-start="13892" data-end="13933">A strong proposal should clearly explain:</p> <ol data-start="13935" data-end="14851"> <li data-section-id="1vbsd3e" data-start="13935" data-end="14026"><strong data-start="13938" data-end="13962">The research problem</strong> — Identify the workforce development challenge being addressed.</li> <li data-section-id="1lvrdmx" data-start="14027" data-end="14132"><strong data-start="14030" data-end="14058">The research methodology</strong> — Explain how the research will collect and analyze relevant information.</li> <li data-section-id="1pr2nv" data-start="14133" data-end="14239"><strong data-start="14136" data-end="14156">The ROI approach</strong> — Demonstrate how the research will quantify financial and organizational returns.</li> <li data-section-id="yutwz7" data-start="14240" data-end="14378"><strong data-start="14243" data-end="14269">The workforce outcomes</strong> — Explain how retention, time to fill, internal advancement, and external labor dependence will be assessed.</li> <li data-section-id="12dggb9" data-start="14379" data-end="14477"><strong data-start="14382" data-end="14403">Utility relevance</strong> — Show how the findings can be applied by water and wastewater utilities.</li> <li data-section-id="69q1mt" data-start="14478" data-end="14596"><strong data-start="14481" data-end="14507">Practical deliverables</strong> — Clearly identify the framework, tools, models, or other outputs that will be produced.</li> <li data-section-id="yujvr5" data-start="14597" data-end="14701"><strong data-start="14600" data-end="14624">Budget justification</strong> — Demonstrate how the proposed funding will support the research activities.</li> <li data-section-id="1mbtuhl" data-start="14702" data-end="14851"><strong data-start="14705" data-end="14740">Potential utility participation</strong> — Where relevant, explain how participating utilities can contribute data, expertise, or testing environments.</li> </ol> <p data-start="14853" data-end="14991">The proposal should demonstrate not only academic rigor but also practical usefulness for utilities making real-world workforce decisions.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="14853" data-end="14991"><a href="https://portal.waterrf.org/scs/checkout.ssp?is=login&amp;login=T&amp;origin=home&amp;origin_hash=%2Foutbound-grant-checkout%2F3349#login-register" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY HERE</strong></a></p> <h2 data-section-id="11xjpvg" data-start="14993" data-end="15025">Who Should Consider Applying?</h2> <p data-start="15027" data-end="15136">This opportunity is particularly relevant to organizations and research teams working at the intersection of:</p> <ul data-start="15138" data-end="15570"> <li data-section-id="6o1uxr" data-start="15138" data-end="15171">Water and wastewater utilities.</li> <li data-section-id="1r8wx0p" data-start="15172" data-end="15196">Workforce development.</li> <li data-section-id="s968kg" data-start="15197" data-end="15215">Human resources.</li> <li data-section-id="5u9ulg" data-start="15216" data-end="15250">Apprenticeships and internships.</li> <li data-section-id="1a2epkz" data-start="15251" data-end="15280">Organizational development.</li> <li data-section-id="1z0k1sj" data-start="15281" data-end="15301">Talent management.</li> <li data-section-id="11yanlc" data-start="15302" data-end="15323">Employee retention.</li> <li data-section-id="2alox3" data-start="15324" data-end="15345">Workforce planning.</li> <li data-section-id="16sadyt" data-start="15346" data-end="15367">Utility management.</li> <li data-section-id="mwz5k8" data-start="15368" data-end="15386">Labor economics.</li> <li data-section-id="41tyyx" data-start="15387" data-end="15413">Organizational research.</li> <li data-section-id="1cfopw9" data-start="15414" data-end="15452">Public-sector workforce development.</li> <li data-section-id="qr9faa" data-start="15453" data-end="15493">Higher education and applied research.</li> <li data-section-id="1m8v34l" data-start="15494" data-end="15534">Training and professional development.</li> <li data-section-id="pufcfa" data-start="15535" data-end="15570">Recruitment and talent pipelines.</li> </ul> <p data-start="15572" data-end="15798">Applicants should carefully consult the official RFP and 2026 Research Priority Program guidelines for the definitive eligibility requirements, institutional requirements, proposal conditions, and other participation criteria.</p> <p data-start="15572" data-end="15798">Visit <a href="https://portal.waterrf.org/outbound-grant-details/3349" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong> </a>for more information about the Water Research Foundation Grant.</p> <h2 data-section-id="3n5usj" data-start="15800" data-end="15825">Geographic Eligibility</h2> <p data-start="15827" data-end="15964">The information provided for the opportunity does not state a general restriction limiting applicants by race, ethnicity, or nationality.</p> <p data-start="15966" data-end="16152">The potential participating utilities currently listed on the opportunity page are based in the <strong data-start="16062" data-end="16079">United States</strong>, including organizations in Michigan, Illinois, Washington, and Florida.</p> <p data-start="16154" data-end="16386">However, applicants should rely on the official RFP and program guidelines to determine whether their particular institution, organization, research team, or proposed partnership meets the eligibility and participation requirements.</p> <h2 data-section-id="12fayhv" data-start="16388" data-end="16408">Important Contact</h2> <p data-start="16410" data-end="16524">The Water Research Foundation identifies <strong data-start="16451" data-end="16470">Alice Jariz, PE</strong> as the WRF RFP contact for this research opportunity.</p> <p data-start="16526" data-end="16705">Applicants who need clarification about the research request should consult the official RFP and the Foundation&#8217;s designated contact information before submitting their proposals.</p> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="16707" data-end="16720">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="16722" data-end="17048">The <strong data-start="16726" data-end="16891">Water Research Foundation&#8217;s $250,000 Research Priority Program opportunity on the Return on Investment for Internships, Apprenticeships, and Development Programs</strong> presents an important opportunity to generate practical evidence about how workforce development investments can strengthen the water and wastewater sector.</p> <p data-start="17050" data-end="17387">By examining retention, time to fill, internal advancement, and dependence on external labor, the research seeks to move beyond general claims about the value of internships, apprenticeships, and employee development. Instead, it aims to establish measurable evidence that utilities can use when making workforce and financial decisions.</p> <p data-start="17389" data-end="17640">The development of a <strong data-start="17410" data-end="17464">business case framework and decision-support tools</strong> could be particularly valuable, giving utilities practical mechanisms for evaluating workforce development programs and communicating their value to organizational leadership.</p> <p data-start="17642" data-end="17948">With <strong data-start="17647" data-end="17669">$250,000 available</strong> and a deadline of <strong data-start="17688" data-end="17738">September 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time</strong>, eligible and interested research organizations should review the full RFP, program guidelines, budget requirements, and supporting forms carefully and begin preparing their proposals well before the deadline.</p> <p data-start="17642" data-end="17948">For more information about global Grant opportunities, visit OFY <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=grant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/10/water-research-foundation-offers-250000-research-grant-to-measure-the-return-on-investment-of-internships-apprenticeships-and-development-programs/">Water Research Foundation Offers $250,000 Research Grant to Measure the Return on Investment of Internships, Apprenticeships and Development Programs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>