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.

• Wednesday, September 27 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Hatcher Hall room 344
• Thursday, October 12 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in Hatcher Hall room 344
• Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. via Zoom

You only need to sign up in advance for the October 25 session via Zoom. Register for the Zoom session.

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 apply to 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. 
• Gulf Impact Projects are not eligible for remote work. While some travel may be required for your specific project, you will otherwise need to be present in Baton Rouge.

View a list of past Gulf Impact Projects completed by Gulf Scholars.

• Attend an info session - Fall 2023
• Submit your application - Due November 1
• Applicant decisions made and notifications sent - By November 17
• Gulf Scholars programming begins - Spring 2024
• Apply to Gulf Impact Projects - Spring 2024
• Complete Gulf Impact Projects - Summer 2024
• Present your project at the Summer Showcase - August 2024
• Continue work on projects, volunteering, and other activities - Fall 2024 & beyond!

Gulf Impact Projects will be led by a faculty mentor. Faculty-mentored project descriptions are housed in the LSU Discover Mentor Database.

Check back soon for the Summer 2024 Project List! 

In the meantime, you can view the Summer 2023 Project List on the LSU Discover Mentor Database. 

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Interested Faculty:

We are recruiting faculty mentors for Gulf Impact Projects for Summer 2024. 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.