A boat passing under a bridge on the Cuyahoga River.

Fresh Water Institute at Work


Established in 2024, the Fresh Water Institute is a Cuyahoga County initiative designed to catalyze a culture of freshwater stewardship and position our region as a global freshwater leader.


Strategic Focus Areas

Education & Research

The Fresh Water Institute inspires community members, especially youth, to understand the importance of our freshwater resources and gain exposure to water-related careers. The Fresh Water Institute works in partnership to connect students to water safety programming, Great Lakes learning opportunities, and community-science experiences. The Fresh Water Institute further serves as a strategic hub for local freshwater research.

Water Economy

Cuyahoga County’s proximity on Lake Erie has created a robust water economy, one of the fastest growing sectors in Northeast Ohio. The Fresh Water Institute collaborates with partners to foster sustainable economic growth while protecting our environment and safeguarding our freshwater resources. 

 

 


Advocacy & Access

Our region has a history of advocating for local and national policies focused on protecting our water resources and advancing environmental justice. The Fresh Water Institute builds upon this legacy by empowering community members and local leaders to advocate for our freshwater resources, including access to continued stewardship of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. 



 

Core Programs

We believe that water should bring our community together—sparking learning, opportunity, and pride in the place we call home. That’s why the Fresh Water Institute is committed to help Cuyahoga County build a vibrant freshwater culture that belongs to everyone.

The Institute support high‑impact programs that build foundational water safety skills, expand educational opportunity, and grow the region’s water workforce.


A girl instructing two kids in swim lessons in a pool.

Expanded Water Safety Programming

The Fresh Water Institute supports water safety and swimming competencies as a foundation for building our freshwater culture.

Cuyahoga County contracted with AquaMissions to expand their Water Safety Education Program in partnership with Cleveland State University’s College of Health in 2025. The program provides introductory water experiences, water safety education, and basic swim instruction during the school day at no cost to schools or families.

A large group of students and teachers posing in front of the Fresh Water Institute.

High School Fellowship Program

This is a paid, interdisciplinary, out-of-school learning experience designed to empower Cuyahoga County high school students with the knowledge and skills to support healthy and thriving waterways, especially the Cuyahoga River and our great Lake Erie.

Cuyahoga County contracted with Teaching Cleveland and SYATT to develop and implement the program starting in 2025.

Four young women standing and smiling together in the woods.

Young Adult Intern Program

Demand is high for early career experiences in the water-related sectors.

Cuyahoga County contracted with the Student Conservation Association to develop and implement an internship program starting in 2025. The Water Workforce Program provides paid, full-time, 12-week summer internships in water-related positions within the local utility, government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. In addition to paid work experiences, The Ohio State University provides several training opportunities for interns to earn certificates and credentials at no cost.


  
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