Coastal Leadership institute

Become a leader in the movement to protect and restore Louisiana’s coast.

• Learn from experts about the ecological, cultural, economic and political factors impacting the coast.

• Visit the places and people on the front lines of the land loss crisis.

• Connect with like-minded individuals and help create a thriving, sustainable coast for all.

How it works

Enroll in a Cohort

Join forces with 20 to 25 aspiring coastal leaders from across Louisiana. Contribute your unique perspective and learn from peers at diverse industries and career levels.

Attend Monthly Sessions

Once a month, spend a day learning from ecological, cultural, economic and political experts. Each day includes a visit to sites and communities most impacted by land loss.*

Flex Your Skills

Leverage the tools and knowledge acquired in the program to write op-eds, deliver public comments and build connections that make positive change for Louisiana’s coast.

2024–2025 Session Schedule

Orientation & Opening Social – September 13, 2024, in New Orleans

Session 1 – October 11 in Baton Rouge

Ecology of the Coast, Part I: Louisiana’s Relationship to the Coast

Session 2 – November 8 in Plaquemines Parish

Ecology of the Coast, Part II: Addressing the Problems of Louisiana’s Coast

Session 3 – December 13 in Terrebonne Parish

Coastal Cultures, Part I: Celebrating and Examining the Distinct Cultures at Risk

Session 4 – January 10, 2025, in St. Bernard Parish

Coastal Cultures, Part II: Celebrating and Examining the Distinct Cultures at Risk

Session 5 – February 14 in Lake Charles

Economy of the Coast, Part I: Exploring the Industries of Louisiana’s Working Coast

Session 6 – March 14 in Port Fourchon

Economy of the Coast, Part II: Exploring the Industries of Louisiana’s Working Coast

Session 7 – April 11 in St. Mary Parish

Policy of the Coast, Part I: Understanding the CPRA and Master Plan’s Role in Restoring and Protecting Louisiana’s Coast

Session 8 – May TBD in Baton Rouge

Policy of the Coast, Part II: Understanding the Legislative Process in Restoring and Protecting Louisiana’s Coast

Graduation – June 13 in Location TBD

Eligibility

People from across Louisiana are welcome to apply to the Coastal Leadership Institute. Nominees represent a range of ages, from early to mid-career or retired, and work in a variety of industries, such as energy, tech, healthcare, renewable energy, nonprofit, media, politics, education, faith-based, legal and others.

Tuition

The cost to participate in the Coastal Leadership Institute is $1,000. Scholarships are available for a limited number of applicants. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please select the designated box at the bottom of the application.

Questions?

Email the program director at ethan.melancon@crcl.org.

Download the press kit

*Site visits may include transportation by boat.