Educator Externship Program

Applications

Applications are open for our 2026 cohort. Space is limited — apply before April 18, 2026.

Apply Now → https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9XHMHM

Overview

Spend three days learning about Louisiana's world-class industrial facilities — and bring back real-world lessons, career connections, and a $1,000 professional development stipend. 

The GBRIA Educator Externship gives middle and high school teachers, counselors, and CTE staff a behind-the-scenes look at the plants, people, and career paths that keep Louisiana's economy strong. Over three days, participants tour regional industrial facilities, meet professionals across every level of operations, and see firsthand what careers in chemistry, engineering, and skilled trades actually look like.

Most educators have never set foot inside a plant. This program changes that.

Why Participate

• Earn a $1,000 professional development stipend
• Tour active manufacturing sites and training programs — see STEM in action
• Meet industry professionals from process operations, maintenance, and engineering
• Return to your classroom with real-world lessons and career resources for your students

2026 Program Dates

 June 16–18, 2026

Application deadline: April 18, 2026. Space is limited — apply early to secure your cohort.

What You'll Experience

Day 1 — Industry Foundations Welcome and orientation. Safety and workforce development overview. Interactive "Products of Industry" session. Contractor presentations and live demonstrations at ABC.

Day 2 — Inside the Plant Guided plant tour hosted by member companies. Observe maintenance, laboratory, logistics, and operations teams. Q&A with plant personnel and leadership.

Day 3 — Connecting to the Classroom Hands-on curriculum integration activity. Community and technical college presentation and campus tour. Industry panel discussion. Reflection, feedback, and closing celebration.

Participants must complete all three days to receive the $1,000 stipend.

Who Should Apply

• Middle and high school teachers — science, math, CTE, and vocational educators
• Counselors and career coaches who help students plan their futures
• CTE and vocational staff looking to strengthen school-industry connections
• Program directors and administrators eager to build school-industry partnerships

Program Outcomes

Since its launch, the Educator Externship has:

• Connected more than 170 educators with regional industry leaders
• Reached 5,000+ students through classroom integration projects
• Inspired new school-industry partnerships across South Louisiana

Educators return equipped to help students see rewarding futures in instrumentation, electrical, welding, millwrighting, pipefitting, and process operations.

What Past Participants Are Saying

"I learned so much about careers in the industry and what it takes to be successful. I feel better equipped to help my students explore what might be a good fit for them."

"This program was extremely successful. It's inspired me to create a summer internship program for my own parish."

"The wealth of information I can now bring to my students will be life-changing."

Host an Educator — Build the Future Workforce

GBRIA member companies play a vital role in developing Louisiana's next generation of craft professionals. Host sites provide two or more educators with a three-day immersion including PPE, lunch, and site tours.

Host investment: $1,400 per educator (minimum 2) Payment can be made to GBRIA (501(c)(6)) or LCEF (501(c)(3)). Host sites follow the official Educator Externship Rubric to ensure a consistent and meaningful experience.

Applications

Applications are open for our 2026 cohort. Space is limited — apply before April 18, 2026.

Apply Now → https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V9XHMHM

Questions? Contact Brandon Smith at brandon@gbria.org or (225) 769-0596, ext. 17.