Do you care about preserving coastal biodiversity and protecting the coasts and coastal ecosystems against the impacts of climate change?

Do you want to learn more about what scientists have found out and what questions they research?

This summer, POCACITO, Mississippi State University’s Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program and the Consulate General of Germany invite you to join our second summer program in Mississippi for youth from the US and Germany. Don’t worry, the program does not require any German language skills, but you might pick up some.

From July 16 to 21, 2023, youth from Germany and Mississippi will meet and explored together how to preserve coastal biodiversity and how to protect the coasts and coastal ecosystems against the impacts of climate change. They will hear from scientists in Germany and Mississippi and run their own investigative projects.

POCACITO, Mississippi State University’s Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program and the Consulate General of Germany work together to provide this summer program in Mississippi. The entire program will be held in English.

From Monday to Friday, we will have 5 days of exploring, including interactive sessions with experts and field trips in collaboration with Mississippi State University Extension. Trips include kayaking, hiking, and boating! During the week, you will work on a team project and can qualify for one of our six special awards.  All successful participants will receive a certificate of participation in this international science and coastal protection program, signed by the Consulate General of Germany. 

For participants from the US, we ask you to deposit a fee of $100 for securing your spot. After the program is completed, we will refund you the deposit. This means that the entire program will be completely free for you, including camp accommodation, all meals and activities. We only ask you to arrange for your own transport for arrival on Sunday, July 16, and departure, either on July 21 or July 22.

For participants from Germany, we will need some co-pay from you to cover parts of the flight expenses. The co-pay will be based on a pay-as-you-can approach and we will be more than happy to work things out for you. The more you can pay, the more people we can include. The program will cover:

• roundtrip group air ticket from Frankfurt to Atlanta (nonstop), departing July 16, returning July 23
• land transfer from Atlanta to Biloxi
• accommodation at Camp Wilkes in Biloxi from July 16 to July 22
• all meals (vegan, nut free)
• all activities and lectures

We welcome all high school students. We ask you to please indicate any special needs.

You can apply here: https://forms.gle/HvbLh1VztZDg9C5L7

We accept applications until May 30. 

There are only limited spots available, and early applicants get priority.

Special thanks to the German Foreign Office and the Consulate General of Germany in Atlanta for their generous support. 

Please email Max Gruenig at max@pocacito.org or text or call Max at +1-202-550-9072
with any questions (German / English).

More information about the Mississippi State University Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program: 

http://coastal.msstate.edu/ccr