The MissDelta consortium will seek to expand the human diversity of the coastal workforce ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico region with a targeted focus on underrepresented groups, by creating a network of support to promote and advance current programs whose focus is to build sustainable pathways for Coastal research for students 6-20 levels. This web of support focuses on increased engagement in research activities, mentorship, and academic advancement with a targeted focus on reducing the loss of coastlines. The MissDelta program seeks to coordinate these efforts as a network and provide synergistic activities that allow seamless engagement between students, faculty, and the MissDelta research team . This proposed network will develop level-appropriate research experiences that blend best practices of topical curricula, research, and mentoring to enhance the future of the coastal workforce with common threads.

MissDelta Workforce Diversity will be working with current programs involved in education of coastal issues at various levels:

• Grade School (Tulane’s Center for K-12 STEM Education, Eva Legard, EnvironMentors)

• Undergraduate Students (Gulf Scholars Program, Tulane’s Center for K-12 STEM Education, Local Universities)

• Graduate Level (Local Universities)

• Teaching professionals (Tulane’s Center for K-12 STEM Education, and Eva Legard)

Workforce Diversity team’s objectives are to:

• Increase the number of persons from underrepresented groups participating in coastal research and activities.

• Provide resources, training, and professional development that prepares students and teachers for the coastal workforce.

• Create a robust mentoring network in the Gulf region that supports students and teachers at all levels.

• Advance opportunities for experiential learning opportunities that deepen understanding and increase science identities.