The application should take about 7-10 minutes to complete. When filling out the application, you will notice that the application asks students to name their first, second, and third choice programs. Students should select New Orleans all three times.

Under the first-choice option, students will see a box asking them to comment why the program they've chosen is their first choice. In that box, students must indicate that they are a Summer Search student and also include a bit about why this program interests them.

There is a "save my space" application link for students to fill out that holds your space for two weeks if you need more time to fill out the application. Don't forget to submit if before it times out!

When submitting your application, you will need to list a reference -- this can be a mentor, coach, or teacher. Once the reference check is complete, participants will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview. Following the interview, you will be notified if you have been accepted into the program.

Upon admission, you will be expected to complete a Health History Form and have a Physical Exam performed by a physician. You will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk Form and a Release and Indemnity Agreement prior to departure.

Prior to your travels, you will need to complete an online curriculum to gain background knowledge for your experience.

Your work with Common Ground Relief will be center at their nursery, helping with tree potting, planting and propagation efforts. You will work in the Louisiana wetlands as well, supporting planting efforts out in the water.

When you are not working on coastal restoration projects, you will have the chance to learn about New Orleans on a trip to the French Quarter, on a swamp tour, and through conversations with local residents.

You will be staying at Common Ground Relief's volunteer house in the Lower Ninth Ward. Housing includes central air/heat, communal living and cooking spaces, wifi, bedding, towels, and groceries for three meals a day, plus snacks. Shared bathrooms with hot showers are available on-site, as are a washer and dryer (detergent provided).

This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in New Orleans with program leaders. However, you are allowed to bring e-readers, music devices that do not connect to the internet, and a digital or disposable camera.

Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. Students will also create daily blog updates, which will be available to read on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder website.

You will need to travel by plane to New Orleans. A NY REAL ID is required for all plane travel.

While you may have been chaperoned as a sophomore, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your final destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the airport for your return flight.

We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending. You may want to buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!

This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!