ReWa, Greenville Tech launch ReWa Scholars program

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) and Greenville Technical College have partnered to establish the ReWa Scholars Program, an experiential learning opportunity that provides tuition assistance and employment to students while serving as a recruiting tool for ReWa.

Jaden Harriott, a 2024 graduate of J.L. Mann High School, is the first ReWa Scholar. He’s working as a maintenance technician at ReWa while enrolled in mechatronics courses at Greenville Tech. 

“Many water utilities are facing unique staffing challenges with the retirements of baby boomers, and we can benefit from partnerships with community colleges,” said Rebecca West, ReWa’s CEO. “Greenville Technical College has a proven track record in teaching and training potential employees for Upstate manufacturers and upskilling the existing workforce for new and evolving technical careers.” 

ReWa is the first utility to partner with Greenville Technical College’s Tech Scholars Program. The program provides students with part-time employment and scholarships while building a pipeline of skilled employees for local employers, including BMW, Michelin and Bausch + Lomb.

“We are pleased to add ReWa to our Tech Scholar roster, allowing students to gain skills in the classroom that they apply on the job,” said Dr. Larry Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “When employers come together with us to grow the workforce while providing students with tuition assistance and employment, everyone wins.”

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 10,700 openings are projected each year for the next 10 years for water and wastewater treatment operators. Students selected to be ReWa Scholars will work part-time for two years in operations roles while receiving on-the-job training and enrolled in courses at Greenville Tech. '

Students will be candidates for job openings at ReWa after completing the program. 

Earlier this year, ReWa launched a dual enrollment program for Greenville County’s high school students with the Early College program at Greenville Technical College. That program will allow students to earn college credits while taking courses that provide experience for entry-level jobs with water utilities, or to be a candidate for the ReWa Scholars Program.