2025 Agua University

Agua University allows you to immerse yourself in the world of environmental justice through a four-week intensive course on water science, habitat, land use, conservation, and community development. 

The workshops are a combination of indoor lectures and outdoor fieldwork days. Our program is centered around water and environmental justice including the following topics: water science, supply and quality; habitat; land use; conservation; community development; park equity, and ways to act. Students will receive hours of community service for their participation.

Program Overview:

Agua University is a four-week environmental justice course filled with daily educational workshops geared towards current high school students living in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. The workshops are a combination of indoor lectures and outdoor activity days. This year the program is centered around Water, Life, and History, Water Infrastructure and Its Impacts, Environmental Justice and Water Access, and the Future of Water: Innovation and Sustainability. Students will receive hours of community service for their participation in the program.

Key Program Features:

• Educational Workshops: Daily indoor lectures and discussions on water science, supply and quality, habitat, land use, conservation, community development, and environmental justice.
• Experiential Learning: Each Friday, Agua University students will engage in hands-on, water education-focused field excursions. These thoughtfully designed trips will provide opportunities for direct observation, and engagement with local water resources and related ecosystems.
• Skill Development: Develop creative thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Community Service: Receive community service hours for participation.
• Provided Materials: All necessary educational materials and project supplies will be provided.
• Transportation: Agua University program leaders will provide transportation to off-site activities and events from Pacoima Beautiful Headquarters.
• Meeting Location: Pacoima Beautiful Headquarters, Pacoima, CA.

Program Details, Time Commitment, and Requirements:

• Eligibility: Current high school students interested in learning about environmental justice and water issues.
• Duration: Four (4) weeks, summer
  • 20 Total Sessions
• Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • Lunch will be provided
• Nature of Participation:
  • In-person attendance is essential.
  • Students must commit to attending every class and arriving on time.
  • Cell phone usage limited to breaks.
• Agua University Details:
  • Openings: 30 slots only
  • Orientation: Parent or legal guardian must attend an orientation. Date and time will be disclosed to selected participants.
• Mandatory Events:
  • Parent Orientation
  • Full participation in all program days.

Questions? Contact Us:

• Email: aguau@pacoimabeautiful.org
• Phone: 818-899-2454