Future Coastal Leaders Program

Developing the next generation of professionals working to fight coastal land loss and climate change Students will engage in lectures and workshops, including but not limited to: Coastal 101 – The story of land loss in Louisiana Environmental Justice in Louisiana Professional Skills: Resources and tips for an environmental career.

CPRA Meetings Networking events Coastal Day at the Capital And more!

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.

LEARN MORE AT CRCL.ORG

ABOUT THE PROGRAM As high school and college-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 college level Future Coastal Leader 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.

Volunteer prioritization for the State of the Coast conference.

FUTURE COASTAL LEADERS PAGE 2

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.

ADM ISSI ON IS OPEN

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 our team at donations@crcl.org to get involved.

Program - FCL@crcl.org Sponsorship- Donna Betzer - donna.betzer@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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