The Environmental Science Research Pathway is built around the Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project. This research project is a longitudinal study designed to continuously monitor the freshwater sponge population in Louisiana.



Pictured above: Some of the Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Hunters out field surveying.



The Pathway is designed to:
- Increase scientific professional skills, including communication, literacy, and teamwork.
- Prepare students with technical skills to enter the job force.
- Provide high-wage employment while gaining skills.
- Grow the STEM field with diverse researchers.

Pathway Participants will progress through 4-tiers:
1. Summer Internships: Selected incoming freshmen participate in a summer research experience ($2500).
2. Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project Interns: Conduct research at BRCC while taking their first 30 hours of coursework ($15/hr).
3. Near-Peer Research Mentors: After completing 30 hours of coursework and 500 research hours, interns will be promoted to mentors ($16/hr).
4. Externs: Within 12 hours of graduation, students will be placed in an externship with a local environmental science agency ($18.50/hr).

Benefits!
- Paid through continuous employment, participants will have the opportunity to gain transferable skills, including computer coding, microscopy, working with DNA, water analysis, field collection research techniques, and many more!
- Participate in all-expense-paid field research trips and conferences (hotel, meal per diem, registration, and airfare).
- Receive paid leadership training for near-peer mentors.
- Build your resume with skills and presentations.
- Network with four-year institutions and environmental science professionals.

Who is eligible to apply?
- Incoming freshmen or current BRCC students who have completed fewer than 13 credit hours.
- Enroll at BRCC for Fall 2024.
- Major in: Associate of Science General Science, Associate of Science Louisiana Transfer, Associate of Science Pre-Engineering, or Associate of Science Computer Science.
- Interest in pursuing an environmental science career.

Application Process
- Complete the online application at http://tiny.cc/g1vkwz by April 12th.
- Participate in a formal interview with the BRCC Pathway team.
- If accepted, you will receive a letter of acceptance by May 13th.

Requirements to stay in the Pathway
- Participation in the 200-hour paid summer workshop (online and lab meetings).
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Enroll in 9-15 credit hours each semester.
- Conduct 12-20 hours per week of paid research at BRCC.
- Participate in research outreach events.
- Contribute to a positive teamwork environment.
- Present research at local conferences.