Coastal Leadership Institute

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.

Apply for our 2026-27 cohort

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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.

Session Schedule

• Virtual Orientation, August 28, 2026

• Session 1 | Baton Rouge | September 25, 2026

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

• Session 2 | South Plaquemines Parish | October 23, 2026

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

• Session 3 | Terrebonne Parish | November 20, 2026

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

• Session 4 | St. Bernard Parish | December 11, 2026

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

• Session 5 | Cameron & Vermilion Parish | February 26, 2027

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

Session 6 | Lafourche Parish | March 26, 2027

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

• Session 7 | Lake Maurepas | April 23, 2027*

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

• Session 8 | Louisiana State Capitol | May 28, 2027*

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

Session 9 | Iberia Parish | June 18, 2027

Graduation

• Make up days to save in the event of rescheduling – January 22, 2027

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 $1,500. 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.

Click here to learn about our 2025-26 Coastal Leadership Institute Participants