Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the initial step towards progress…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** the initial step towards progress involves equipping high school and college students with the tools required for pursuing careers and assuming leadership roles while instilling a deep sense of empowerment that extends beyond personal boundaries to include the entire school and/or community. The funding for the ECO leaders project will present a unique opportunity to put active learning, problem-solving, and leadership principles into practice by mobilizing students and facilitating collaboration among emerging leaders across the state. As a result of this initiative, schools, and communities will have experienced an increase in empowered leaders, positive environmental impact, and exposure to opportunities through proactive student and educator engagement. To empower students and enable them to make a difference in their communities, providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities for growth is crucial, fostering a sense of empowerment within themselves and their surroundings. This is directly connected to the national issue that governmental agencies, rural communities, and the forestry/natural resources industries face. The growth of economies is dependent on the continuous acquisition of new skills by community members, their ability to adapt to technological advancements, their improvement in leadership abilities, and their capacity to collaborate effectively in teams towards common objectives for community enhancement. IT is important to note that a community does not need to have all individuals as leaders, but possessing certain skills enables individuals to lead on specific issues and improve their living environment successfully. The ECO leaders approach will be utilized to teach teachers and students project base learning community leadership, enabling many members to assume leadership roles and provide support to existing and other leaders when necessary. Professional development is essential for students and community members to prepare for the workforce. IT helps students and community members gain the skills and competencies necessary for agriculture, urban forestry, and natural resource-related careers. This project offers students professional development opportunities and community members who may not receive the support and guidance they need to develop their professional potential fully. Moreover, students and community members from underrepresented groups may face additional barriers to professional development and require targeted support. Partnering with the eduproject and louisiana high schools, this project can address this GAP by providing access to resources and support, offering relevant career guidance, providing opportunities for experiential learning and practical experience in urban forestry and natural resource-related fields, and helping them to overcome the challenge that can hinder their career success