Participation is free, making the program accessible to all professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of stormwater and environmental topics.
CUSP
Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals (CUSP)
A free stormwater management training program from the Chesapeake Stormwater Network
If you’re interested in green infrastructure, sustainability, or climate resiliency, the free Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals (CUSP) training program can help take your knowledge to the next level. Now offered via two different courses, you’ll learn the essentials of watershed science, municipal stormwater permit management, and Chesapeake Bay restoration.
CUSP At-A-Glance
Designed for college students, early career professionals, and program staff, you’ll receive the practical knowledge to excel in the stormwater field. Learn at your own pace on your own time, advance your career, and grow your network.
This course introduces the basic impacts of stormwater runoff and how they can be reduced or mitigated by watershed restoration practices. Participants will receive an introduction to urban hydrology and pollutants of concern. This course will also cover how the most common stormwater practices are designed, built and maintained, and will highlight case studies of innovative approaches from around the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Who is this for: Ideal for those looking to better understand the challenges stormwater poses to local communities and the tools used to address them.
This introductory course is well suited for students interested in environmental and sustainability careers who are new to stormwater management, as well as program staff and volunteers with watershed groups or environmental advocacy organizations seeking a stronger foundation in the science. With a greater emphasis on stormwater best management practices, the course is especially useful for those who want to understand how these practices work and what factors to consider when selecting them.
This course will focus on the essential functions of municipal (or MS4) stormwater programs, including best practices for improving local watershed management. Participants will learn the history of stormwater management in the Chesapeake Bay, and the different sectors that support local watershed improvement. The course will also cover the core elements of an effective local stormwater program, including education and outreach, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and erosion and sediment control.
Who is this for: Ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of the programs and regulatory frameworks that shape stormwater management across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This course is tailored for anyone preparing for public or private sector roles in areas such as development/stormwater plan review, MS4 program management, watershed restoration, and stormwater outreach and education. It is also well-suited for early career professionals who administer MS4 permits, or provide contractual support to a municipality/county.
The curriculum covers components of stormwater programs that may receive less attention in other training and certification programs, including effective community engagement and education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and municipal good housekeeping and pollution prevention.
2026 Registration
To earn a completion certificate for either CUSP course, you must complete all 10 of the listed assignments which includes viewing the webinars (live or as a recording) and office hours sessions. You can view the course calendar here.
Registration for Course 1: Science and Practices will open the week of May 18th and closes on June 30th.
Registration for Course 2: Policy and Programs will also be available beginning the week of May 18th and will close on September 25th.