In 2018 Lauren Michael, Plant Manager of the Cedar Rapids wastewater plant, had an idea designed to provide high school students an opportunity work at water and wastewater plants during their high school career. The idea was to provide exposure to the industry while assisting small communities with planning for the future. Laurie Sharp with the IDNR and Bob Watson soon joined her in this effort.

In the water and wastewater industry, it is well known that operators are nearing retirement age and the replacement workforce is dwindling. In 2015, the state of Pensylvania's Department of Environmental Protection conducted a survey of the state's operators. Of the the operators surveyed 30% were ages 46-55, 33% were 56 to 65, and 5% were over 65. This means that approximately 68% of the workforce was expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. Iowa is experiencing the same issue. This leads to difficult succession and training planning for the future. Additionally, the younger workforce is not aware of this industry as an opportunity for future employment. Both of these concerns are exacerbated in smaller communities whose populations are waning. A position in the water and wastewater industry would allow future students the opportunity to remain in their small community and earn a good living.

In the inaugural year, the program placed 3 interns in Walker, Wellman, and Le Mars, Iowa. The interns were able to experience first hand what it takes to be a water and/or wastewater operator. The Cities had an opportunity to work with a potential future employee at no cost to them.