The Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) is a frontline research and advocacy organization that was founded in 1994. We have deep roots working with our community to promote a greater, more sustainable South Texas region. Our focus includes: Climate Justice, Water Security, River Restoration, and Community Outreach and Awareness. 

Last year RGISC developed the first-ever Laredo Climate Cohort made up of 23 bright college and high school students, training them to better understand the impacts of climate change at the local level. This skills-building program provided a space for college-aged students to become involved in environmental activism in our often neglected and misrepresented border city. RGISC utilized the expertise of local community leaders and activists who helped train the students in four key skills: art activism, persuasive writing, public speaking, and video storytelling. Cohort students were able to put their skills into action by successfully petitioning the Laredo City Council to empower the creation of Laredo’s first Climate Task Force (A HUGE victory!!). This Task Force is in the process of becoming an advisory committee of the Laredo City Council. 

Climate Cohort 2023 will build upon the successes of our previous Climate Cohort by providing valuable insight to the newly forming Laredo Climate Task Force. This will be accomplished by sharpening your skills in three areas: Story Telling through Film, Community Engagement, and Public Speaking. Climate Cohort members will work with experienced professionals in all three areas to engage with all eight city council districts of Laredo and will culminate in a mini-documentary and newly formed social media platforms discussing our current environmental and climate needs. 

We welcome everyone to apply no matter your background or experience with environmental science and policy. We aim to guide a diverse group of bright students to appreciate the role that our border city will play in creating a more climate resilient future in South Texas.

The Climate Cohort will meet during the Fall Semester and will be held on Saturdays from 9:30AM to 2:30PM (with some exceptions) with lunch, beverages, and light snacks provided.

The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony where students will receive a certification and their scholarship. 

Expectations: 

You will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, through generous funding by Commission Shift, upon successful completion of the program. 

If you have any questions about the terms and conditions of the Laredo Climate Cohort, please contact Lauro Martinez at (956) 251-5044. Thank you.