Program Itinerary

Monday – June 28, 2010 – Welcome to New Orleans

Proceed through registration and start getting acquainted with your fellow Student Leaders.
Settle into your accommodations at Tulane University.
Hear from special guest Gen. Russel L. Honoré, USA (Ret), leader of Joint Task Force Katrina in 2005, about how he and his troops addressed monumental challenges in the wake of the hurricane.
 

Tuesday – June 29, 2010 – Katrina's Legacy

Witness the devastation caused by the failure of one of the levees.
Hear from a New Orleans resident about the events surrounding Katrina's touchdown.
Step back to colonial times in the lively French Quarter.
Talk with Tom Piazza, author of the award-winning book Why New Orleans Matters.
 

Wednesday – June 30, 2010 – Rebuilding New Orleans

Rebuild the New Orleans community through hands-on service projects, whether repairing damaged community centers, building new homes, donating time at local food banks, or helping with city beautification projects.
Hear from storm chaser Jim Reed this evening, and gain another perspective on Katrina from his remarkable photographs.
 

Thursday – July 1, 2010 – Survivor Stories

Continue community service projects to strengthen and renew New Orleans.
Special guest Mary Eisenhower, president and CEO of People to People International, will meet with Student Leaders and share her own experience in bringing positive change to the world.
Hear harrowing personal stories of Hurricane Katrina, from citizens still working to recover their former lives.
 

Friday – July 2, 2010 – Finish Construction

Continue your service to the residents of New Orleans.
Learn from film director Spike Lee, whose award-winning documentary When the Levees Broke examined both the causes and effects of Katrina's devastation.
 

Saturday – July 3, 2010 – Southern Living

Explore the eerily beautiful landscape of the Louisiana bayou by boat.
Watch for fascinating creatures like alligators, nutria, turtles, and gar in the swampy waters.
Gain insights into the American South as you explore a former plantation.
 

Sunday – July 4, 2010 – Happy Independence Day

Get your hands dirty once more, to help restore a local school.
Celebrate the Fourth of July on the banks of the Mississippi, at the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza.
Present donations of at least $50,000 to New Orleans-area charities.
 

Monday – July 5, 2010 – Mardi Gras Gala

Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. secretary of state, offers insights into life on the president’s Cabinet.
Continue renovating the school to encourage local families' return to the region.
Bid adieu to New Orleans with a magical Mardi Gras-style gala. 
Feast on famous Creole cuisine and dance to the music of a live brass band.
Hear from Super Bowl MVPs Peyton and Eli Manning about their passion for their hometown.
 

Tuesday – July 6, 2010 – Farewell

Depart this morning for home.

We work diligently to ensure that the activities described here are available on your program. In rare cases, scheduling conflicts, delays, weather, or circumstances beyond our control may result in program changes. If substitution is required, we make every effort to feature comparable events to retain the content and quality of the program.