Future Coastal Leaders

Developing the next generation of professionals working to fight coastal land loss and climate change Understanding our coastal issues and solutions

As Louisiana fights coastal land loss and climate change, the Future Coastal Leaders (FCL) program aims to inspire and connect high schoolers to this growing environmental field. Hosted by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), the program seeks to engage a diverse and inclusive spectrum of students who will help guide the future of coastal restoration.

Nominate high school-aged young adults and find out how you can support our Future Coastal Leaders today.

Leadership Development College-or-Career Readiness Networking and Experience Opportunities

A PROGRAM OF THE COALITION TO RESTORE COASTAL LOUISIANA

ABOUT THE PROGRAM As high school-aged young adults forge their education and career goals, Future Coastal Leaders will connect them to a field full of opportunity. Participants will take part in:

Educational Opportunities Meet virtually (or in person) to learn about the coastal land loss crisis and coastal restoration.

Participate in workshops and lessons from the historical context of our current issues, to the various career paths.

Receive resources on scholarships available for related fields of study.

Example lessons include: Coastal Land Loss and Restoration 101, Applied Science Workshop, Coastal Careers Workshop and more.

Experiential Learning Gain the skills necessary to assess the issues and allow their experiences to drive solutions.

Engage in various hands-on activities, such as visiting the river model at the LSU Center for River Studies, going on a coastal themed bike tour, and participating in a restoration planting event.

Continue into the CRCL Student Ambassador Program, which further emphasizes degrees and professions in the coastal community.

Networking Participate in networking opportunities with partner organizations.

Connect with professionals already working in the coastal sector and foster mentorship.

Registration to the State of the Coast Conference and Restoration on the Half Shell.

CONTACT INFO: Please complete our Interest Form and include your questions.

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THE BEECH POST

HOW TO GET INVOLVED We are accepting all applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis until we reach capacity for the program. We encourage educators, family members, or community organizations to nominate and support a group of up to 10 students and assist in their transportation and accessibility needs. Students without a designated group leader are also encouraged to apply. All interested parties, please complete the Interest Form here.

ADMISS ION OPEN FO R SPRING 2021

We are offering this program at no cost to students, but do seek sponsorship from schools and organizations.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING FCL? If you, your school or organization has the resources to assist in offsetting some, or all, of the costs for students to attend, we encourage you to become an FCL sponsor. While we will not turn students away due to lack of funds, the more contributions and sponsorship that we secure, the more students we are able to offer this program.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. Contact Marissa Wendte at marrissa.wendte@crcl.org to get involved.

Program - FCL@crcl.org Sponsorship- Marissa Wendte - marissa.wendte@crcl.org

“Climate change is affecting us, and we have the trifecta: coastal erosion, subsidence and sea level rise.”

LOUISIANA GOVERNOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS

South Louisiana is on the front lines of climate change.

The state’s coastal wetlands are eroding at an alarming rate, threatening the landscape, livelihood, and culture of entire communities. Fortunately, the state of Louisiana is actively working to restore the coast through its Coastal Master Plan, as are numerous non-governmental organizations, including CRCL. More coastal restoration projects are in progress than ever before, and that means there is a greater need for professional-level jobs associated with this work.

But the workforce demographics do not reflect the communities where coastal restoration work is taking place, hindering our ability to address priorities in ways that are equitable, just and inclusive. FCL is designed to correct that imbalance by introducing a diverse and inclusive spectrum of high school-aged young adults in Louisiana to education, scholarship and employment opportunities available in coastal restoration.

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