After Katrina: Redesigning Infrastructure in Natural Disaster Recovery
2007 Exploration Seminar in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
(U.S. Gulf Coast of Mexico)

Program Director: Denise Wilson
Dates of Instruction: August 20 - September 7, 2007

In "study abroad" style, University of Washington students are invited to participate in a Exploration Seminar in Rebuild and Recovery at "Ground Zero" on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.  Katrina-inflicted damage on the Mississippi coast remains severe and many, many residents continue to live in trailers or improvised accommodations while searching for means to rebuild their homes.   In the second year of a 15-20 year recovery effort, the need for semi-skilled and skilled labor is extraordinarily high and far outpaces the need for unskilled labor. 

This need, while part of a larger tragedy in Katrina's wake, provides a wonderful opportunity to truly make a difference by having an impact through rebuilding homes along the Gulf Coast. Students from all areas of study who are able to use their hands in service to the community are eligible to participate. 

In the Exploration Seminar in June of 2007, UW students will live on the Gulf Coast in existing relief facilities while assisting in the Rebuild and Recovery effort and taking a 5 credit ENGR 498a course entitled "The Broader Impact of Katrina on Technology and Infrastructure Development" that addresses technical, economic, cultural, and social aspects of Katrina Rebuild and Recovery.  The course will include opportunities for debriefing after service oriented activity and for understanding the impact of service learning on undergraduate education. 

Students who enroll in Students in Service, a part-time AmeriCorps program, will be eligible for a $1000 educational award, upon completion of a term of service.: http://depts.washington.edu/leader/11_SIS/index.htm. Make a difference.  Apply your skills. Learn about Technology.  Have an Impact. We invite you to join us in this valuable service to a nearby community in need in support of our nation and our culture.

Student costs:  
$1,350 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: Round trip airfare to Mississippi, health insurance, and personal spending money. All lodging and meals are included.

Back to 2007 Exploration Seminar List of Programs