As a Gulf Scholar, you are part of a cohort of LSU students across all majors working under a unified mission.

Gain confidence and learn new skills as you complete a 10-week, faculty-mentored Gulf Impact Project over the summer.

Participate in excursions and local activities to expand your knowledge of the gulf environment and communities.

Build a network of fellow students, faculty, and stakeholders to explore future opportunities in your field of interest.

We will host several Student Information Sessions throughout the semester at which students can learn about the program, how to apply, and ask questions. 

If you are interested in applying to the program, we strongly encourage you to attend an info session.

Check back for Fall 2024 info session schedule!

Each summer, up to 25 students will be funded for a 10-week faculty-mentored research project centered on topics related to the gulf.  Gulf Impact Project students will receive up to $6,000 in funding for wages, supplies, and travel related to their project. Students from any major are welcome to apply!

• Scholars will first be accepted into the program in the fall, and match with a Gulf Impact Project the following spring.
• The research department for the Gulf Impact Project you apply to does not have to be the same department that your major is in. 
• While some travel may be required for your specific project, you will otherwise must be present in Baton Rouge for the summer.

Fall:

• Attend an info session
• Submit your application
• Applicant decisions made and notifications sent

Spring:

• Gulf Scholars programming begins
• Gulf Impact Projects determined

Summer:

• Complete Gulf Impact Projects
• Present your project at the Summer Showcase
• Continue work on projects, volunteering, and other activities

Gulf Impact Projects will be proposed and led by a faculty mentor.

---

Interested Faculty:

We are recruiting faculty mentors for Gulf Impact Projects for Summer 2025. We are looking for gulf-centric projects that either already have funding or are in need of funding. 

Benefits of mentoring a Gulf Impact Project undergraduate student:

• High retention rates due to engagement with the greater cohort. 
• Students receive additional training and knowledge through cohort workshops and seminars. 
• Students have a demonstrated interest in the topic from the application process.

Students will get paid a minimum of $15 per hour and work up to 40 hours a week during the 10-week project. 

If you are interested in mentoring a Gulf Impact Project, please submit a project proposal form.

If you have any questions, please contact us at gulfscholars@lsu.edu.

The Gulf Scholars Program at LSU is made possible through the National Academies' Gulf Research Program. The Gulf Scholars Program supports Gulf of Mexico region colleges and universities in preparing undergraduate students as the next generation to address critical challenges in the region related to the focus areas of the Gulf Research Program – community health and resilience, environmental protection and stewardship, and offshore energy safety. Participating schools will engage students from across the sciences, engineering, medicine, humanities, arts, and beyond to develop key competencies and mindsets necessary to address critical Gulf challenges.

Read more about the National Academies' Gulf Scholars Program.