To address a projected shortage of 135,000 geoscientists in the U.S. within the next decade, the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is promoting two new videos. The videos shed light on groundwater fields of study and careers for high school and college students.

“NGWA members have expressed concern about where the groundwater professionals of the future will come from,” says NGWA CEO Kevin McCray. “These videos are just a part of NGWA’s efforts to draw the world’s best and brightest students into groundwater careers of all kinds.”

One of the videos targets secondary school students interested in science and/or the outdoors. Titled “Groundwater Is Cool,” it highlights the importance of groundwater as a freshwater resource for human use and the environment. It shares statistics, fast-paced graphics and music. The second video targets both pre-college and college students. It includes interviews with students, professors and professionals about the benefits of groundwater careers.

The projected shortage of geoscience professionals already is being felt in the groundwater industry, according to NGWA, and the industry’s concern is presenting opportunity for students.

“There are lots of places in college where you can go to get a degree, but there are not so many places in college you can go to get a job,” says Franklin Schwartz, a professor in hydrogeology at Ohio State University. “One of the real benefits of geology and hydrogeology — it’s a profession with a job attached to the end of it.”

NGWA is encouraging all groundwater stakeholders to share the videos with high schools and colleges, as well as other industry professionals.

NGWA is a nonprofit that supports responsible development, management and use of water resources. It’s comprised of groundwater professionals ranging from contractors to equipment manufacturers to scientists and engineers. For more information, visit www.ngwa.org.