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New Orleans (MS)

Environmental Science
see info below

Course Details

DATES
June 25-July 2, 2023

8DAYS

Arrival City
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
TUITION
$2295*

*SEE DETAILS

AVAILABILITY
Available

Alongside our partner, Common Ground Relief, you will learn about coastal land loss and climate change while supporting coastal restoration by planting trees and/or marsh grasses.

This session of New Orleans is only open to students currently in grades 7&8 (2022 –2023 school year)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program will take you to the Lower Ninth Ward, where our partner Common Ground Relief is working hard to address the dangers faced by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region due to coastal land loss.

While in New Orleans, you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Common Ground Relief on their coastal restoration. You will be working at their nursery, helping with tree potting, planting, and propagation efforts. In addition, you will have an immersive wetlands experience by supporting planting efforts out in the water.  You will also have the opportunity to learn about how Common Ground Relief is working to create sustainable, healthy, and functioning coastal wetlands; and foster a new generation of environmental stewards. When you are not working on projects with Common Ground Relief, you will have the chance to learn about New Orleans on a trip to the French Quarter, on a swamp tour, and through conversations with local residents. 

*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Louisiana’s coastal wetlands while planting trees and/or marsh grasses.

Learn about Common Ground Relief’s approach to environmental stewardship. 

Gain real-world experience with coastal restoration, urban reforestation, watershed creation, and environmental science.

Course Elements

1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous

5
LEARNING SERVICE
You will be planting native species in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans and learning about coastal land loss, habitat restoration, and the protection & engagement of marginalized communities.
5
CURRICULUM
Prior to your travels, you will complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience. While traveling, you will learn through engaging articles, cultural experiences, and group reflections.
1
TREKKING
While in New Orleans, you will spend time exploring various cultural sites on foot.
3
LIVING CONDITIONS
You will be staying at Common Ground Relief’s volunteer house.
2
ON THE MOVE
You will explore various neighborhoods in the city that require short drives. In addition, some of the wetlands restoration work occurs outside of the city.
2
REMOTENESS
You will spend your time exploring different neighborhoods in the area. In addition, some of the wetlands restoration work occurs outside of the city.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day.

Day 2

Cultural activities and group orientation.

Day 3

Plant nursery work. Tour of the French Quarter.

Day 4

Wetlands restoration work. Local guest speakers.

Day 5

Wetlands restoration work. Cultural experience.

Day 6

Wetlands restoration work. Cultural experience.

Day 7

Other project work. Honey Island Swamp Tour.

Day 8

Departure day.

NOTE

Itineraries are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.

New Orleans (MS) : In Three Phases

1

PRE-COURSE CURRICULUM

Prior to your departure, you will be guided by your course instructors through a series of interactive, online lessons designed to help you engage with other members of your group while gaining important context for your experience.

2

FIELD STUDY

The majority of the days at each site are spent learning from our local partners and serving alongside them shoulder-to-shoulder. You will learn through service and experiences designed to help you understand the local context, culture, and history.

3

LIFELONG NETWORK

Ethical leadership is a lifelong journey. After your experience, you will become a part of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder network. This network of past alumni and partners is designed to inspire and support your journey in ethical leadership.

Travel Journal

During the travel phase of each SStS course, you will spend time reflecting and processing your experience. The posts below are from past programs.

Esprit De Corps

Today we woke up at 6:45am to go to the Blind River for planting bullrush grass along the banks of the river. On the ride to our destination, we were all pretty tired but we still engaged in some jamming to music because we were so excited !! The first thing we did was load about 40 sacks of bullrus...

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Our Final Night In New Orleans

This week was different and I met a lot of awesome people on this trip. I wish that I had more time in New Orleans to help rebuild the wetlands and have more time with the amazing people that were on this trip. This trip has taught me that life is not easy and that the work will be hard but you can...

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Warm Workin'

Although the weather was very hot and humid, our group was excited about the outcome of our work. The first job was transferring potted trees onto a new surface in order to avoid sprouting weeds. Later in the week, we will be planting the trees from the nursery in the wetlands. For the second task,...

Read More

Important Details

TUITION

Tuition (students from partner schools): $2195
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): $2295

*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.

AIRFARE

Students are responsible for booking their own flights to meet the group in New Orleans. Once enrolled our admissions team will assist you in choosing the correct arrival and departure times.

FINANCIAL AID

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students from all backgrounds. We will do all that we can financially to support students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application.  Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full description of our Terms and Conditions please CLICK HERE.

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