School Programs

Our water supply and water quality will one day be in the hands of today's students. Because of this, Helix seeks to introduce water topics in local schools. We hope these kids will take on the task of being stewards of California's water.

Save Water Artwork
Students attending a Water Talk

Grades K through 8

3rd Grade Classroom Presentation

Dams, Rivers and Reservoirs!  

This is an informative, fun and hands-on program for third grade students that we present virtually or in-person. In compliance with state standards, the program introduces students to the purpose of dams, the materials used in their construction and the relationship between water and energy. Working in small groups, students use the materials we provide to discuss, design and build a dam structure. Results are shared with the class as a whole. The free presentation is offered on Mondays, and takes 45 minutes of classroom time.

Contact
Francine Thompson
Call 619-667-6264
Email Francine Thompson

5th Grade Treatment Plant Tours

Virtual Tour

We will take students through a virtual tour of the R.M Levy Water Treatment Plant. Students will get a step-by-step explanation of our drinking water treatment process. They will see the plant inside and out and get to hear from actual experts at the plant about what it takes to get clean water to their homes and schools. This one-hour virtual tour meets state standards for the 5th-grade water curriculum.

Contact
Francine Thompson
Call 619-667-6264
Email Francine Thompson

Being Water Wise Poster Contest

This isn’t just any art activity. Helix staff select winning posters from schools in our service area. We send them to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California which selects 36 student posters to feature in their Water is Life Calendar each year. Over 30,000 people throughout Southern California receive the calendar and see the kids’ artwork. The contest is open to students in grades K-8 who live or attend school within Helix’s service area. Poster submissions are due April 28, 2023.

2023 Poster Contest Flyer

2023 Poster Contest Entry Form

Contact
Francine Thompson
Call 619-667-6264
Email Francine Thompson

Ms. Smarty Plants Assemblies

About 6,000 K through 6 students in Helix's service area take part in Ms. Smarty Plants' school assemblies each year. The assemblies are interactive, set for the grade level, and aligned with state curriculum standards. Please note that Helix has limited funds and our priority is to bring Ms. Smarty Plants to as many schools as possible in our service area. This means that requests for repeat performances are not always granted.

View the Ms. Smarty Plants website

Contact
Francine Thompson
Call 619-667-6264
Email Francine Thompson

Grades 9 through 12

2023 Helix College Scholarships

Helix awards Dr. Lillian M. Childs and Robert D. Friedgen scholarships each spring to two high school seniors attending a four-year university in the fall. Each scholarship is worth $1,000. We contact senior class counselors in November to reach students, and applications are due in the spring. If you have questions, please see your counselor or contact Mike Uhrhammer at Helix Water District.

Resources

Contact
Mike Uhrhammer
Call 619-667-6264
Email Mike Uhrhammer

Student and Two Adults presenting Scholarship

College Students

Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Scholarships

The Association of California Water Agencies offers five scholarships each year for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in water resources-related fields, including engineering, environmental studies, and public administration.

For Undergraduate Students

  • Edward G. Gladbach Scholarship -- One $2,500 Award 
  • Arthur L. Littleworth Best Best & Krieger Diversity Scholarship -- $2,500 per year for four years 
  • ACWA Scholarship – Two $3,500 Awards 
  • Clair A. Hill Scholarship – One $5,000 Award 

For Graduate Students

  • Stephen K. Hall Scholarship – One $10,000 Award 

View ACWA Scholarships

2023 ACWA Scholarships Ad