Many students in New Orleans are simply unaware of the opportunities on the river. The jobs available to a high school graduate with a clean record immediately begin paying at a higher rate than can be expected from land based employment. But it's not just the immediately higher salary. Working on the water is a viable, lifelong, and lucrative career. A few years of experience after high school can bring a 20 year old many different opportunities. Dedicated workers can transition to river pilots with an excellent salary, enjoy truly global travel, or offshore employment making mid 6 figures. The options and opportunities are waiting for the right people, and they begin by working on the river boats.

We are seeking enough money to fund a pilot program which will qualify us to apply for the larger grants from established foundations and the government.

The pilot program will take 150 students from public and charter schools in the New Orleans area on a school field trip on a Mississippi River paddlewheeler that will include career information. Experienced speakers who have made a career on the water will inform and advise the students on the myriad of opportunities and career paths available. Advisors will include representatives from the port of New Orleans, the international shipping industry, and the river pilots association. Lunch and tickets will be free to the students, teachers, and chaperones.

Following a successful pilot program, we plan to partner with an established organization to then apply for the larger grants.

River Field Trips is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on bringing the students to the opportunities, showing them that there is hope for a bright and profitable future. By showing students what is waiting for them, we give them tangible motivation for staying in school and graduating with a clean record.

River Field Trips will inspire careers on the water.