The CWS Fellowship Program is a water education and leadership training experience in Northern Region Ghana. The purpose of the fellowship is to teach individuals about the global water crisis, and inspire them to become leaders in the field of international development.

Fellows are grouped in teams of four and paired with a rural community in Northern Region Ghana. Before traveling to Africa, each Fellow works to raise the $2,950 fellowship fee which covers all of their in-country expenses, including the capital and monitoring cost of a new CWS water business. On the ground, teams are first trained in water quality testing, and the CWS water treatment methods. They then spend two weeks in the field implementing and monitoring a CWS water business in their village.

Since the start of the Fellowship Program in June 2010, CWS has hosted 155 students and young professionals in Ghana who have implemented water businesses in 39 rural villages, providing permanent sources of safe drinking water for over 22,800 people! Check out the videos on the right to learn hear more about the program from our Fellow Alums!

Here's what some of our past Fellows had to say about the program:

"I felt like we accomplished a lot in a good amount of time, while still being able to enjoy ourselves and enjoy being in Africa."

"The fundraising process was good preparation for how we would be treated as responsible adults during the fellowship."

"This was the greatest experience/opportunity I have been able to partake in, in my life so far and has opened my eyes to so many things about life and has helped push me in the direction of where and what I want to do in the future."

The CWS Fellowship takes place three times a year. We are currently accepting applications for both our Fall and Winter programs.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - the earlier you apply, the earlier you will be notified if you accepted and the more time you will have to raise your fellowship fee! What are you waiting for? Apply now!

Summer: June 19 - July 10, 2013

Fall: September 28 - October 12, 2013*

Winter: December 27, 2013 - January 18, 2014

*The 2013 Fall Fellowship will only be 2 weeks, instead of the usual 3 weeks. Please see the FAQ for more details about the difference between the programs.