Future Leaders of Our Waters
Join the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
Join FLOW (Future Leaders of Our Waters), a transformative, year-long leadership program designed for high school students who are ready to protect the James River and lead change in their communities.
Based at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, FLOW gives participants the tools to become confident collaborators, field scientists, and advocates for environmental justice and policy.
Going into the Expedition, I didn’t know what to expect, how to feel, what to do. The year before, my best friend had embarked on the Middle Expedition, and she told every detail of what she could remember. Every time I would ask about it, she would drive the same point home: “You are going to have the time of your life!” And she was right. I had always thought of myself as an “outdoorsy” type; I liked to hike and to camp, to visit the river in the summertime with friends. However, it wasn’t until this expedition that I really found my love for the James.
Program Overview
Who is this program for?
We are looking for a dedicated cohort of rising 10th–12th grade students in the Richmond area who are passionate about:
Environmental Science and protecting our local watershed.
Community Change and civic engagement.
Leadership and Teamwork in an outdoor setting.
Networking with environmental and policy professionals.
No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a commitment to showing up for the river.
Program Requirements
FLOW starts with a week-long, non-residential summer leadership summit in Richmond, followed by monthly full-day sessions (8 hours) from September through April. These sessions are held at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center, providing a consistent home base for your growth.
Participants choose a specialized capstone pathway to focus their impact.
Environmental Science & Restoration Leadership
Gain hands-on experience in field science, river ecology, and stewardship.
Advocacy & Policy Leadership
Learn how to navigate civic systems, engage decision-makers, and drive systemic change.
By the end of the program, students will have completed over 50 hours of community service, helping them meet graduation requirements while gaining real-world professional experience right here in the Richmond region.
What are the benefits?
This is a selective, cohort-based program. Participants must commit to the full year and can not miss any sessions to stay in good standing.
Academic & Career Advancement
VDOE Diploma Seals
Participants may be eligible for the Virginia Department of Education Seal for Excellence in Civics Education and/or the Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment.
50+ Community Service Hours
Youth will have completed over 50 hours of community service to submit for required service hours for school and graduation requirements.
College & Career Readiness
Build a professional resume, explore environmental career pathways, and gain experiences that strengthen scholarship essays.
Real-World Leadership & Civic Agency
Leadership Through Practice
Move beyond the classroom to manage real challenges, lead projects, and see tangible outcomes from their work.
Civic Confidence
Participants learn how systems work and how to navigate them, so they leave feeling empowered to speak up, engage decision-makers, and take action in their schools and communities.
Meaningful Community Impact
Design and execute a capstone project that addresses local needs and creates long-term systemic change.
Academic & Career Advancement
Mentorship & Networking
Direct access to environmental professionals and community leaders who can serve as mentors, references, or future internship connections.
Personal & Professional Skills
Through a year of outdoor engagement and collaborative problem-solving, participants build personal independence and resilience while mastering professional skills that transfer to any career path.
A Sense of Belonging
Youth join a cohort of like-minded peers from across the watershed, building a support network rooted in shared values.
FLOW Commitments
All sessions are held at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center (Richmond, VA). This is a selective program; participants must commit to the full year and attend all sessions.
Summer Leadership Summit
August 10 – 14, 2026
James A. Buzzard River Education Center
No Overnight
Capstone Project Design
Ongoing Team Collaboration
Apply for the 2026 - 2027 Year
Applications open March 1, 2026, and close April 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM. We use a Google Form to learn about your interests and commitment. Please click the button below to access the form, however you can preview all of the questions here: 2026 FLOW Fellowship Application – Google Forms.
FLOW Frequently Asked Questions
What is FLOW all about?
FLOW is an opportunity for curious, passionate high school students to take their civic engagement and understanding of today’s environmental issues to the next level. Through networking with professionals, symposium-style learning opportunities, and a team-based capstone project, this program gives participants the chance to explore a deeper understanding and connection with the social, economic, policy, and environmental factors that impact the James River watershed and beyond. Participants should be prepared to commit to a nine (9) month process that will push them to critically engage with the world around them and empower them to become the next generation of environmental leaders by building collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their lifetimes.
How do I apply?
Applications open March 1, 2026 and close April 30, 2026 at 5pm. We use Google Forms for our application, and you will need to provide information about yourself and your legal guardian. There are several open ended response questions to gauge your interest and commitment to the program. No previous leadership experience or knowledge of environmental issues is required. What’s more important is a passion for serving your community and becoming a steward of your environment.
How will I be notified if I’m accepted?
Notifications will be sent out via email by May 15, 2026 at 5pm. Participants will be notified either way.
How much does participating in FLOW cost?
This program is offered for free to all accepted participants due to the generous support of the Luck Foundation, as well as other partners, and donors. FLOW is a competitive program with limited spots available. Your time and commitment are your investment in this program.
Who are the FLOW Leaders?
Our JRA FLOW leaders are passionate, full time environmental educators. They have a variety of backgrounds in the sciences and outdoor recreation. Additionally, JRA partners with leaders throughout the environmental field to enhance the experience for our youth.
How many participants are in FLOW?
The program is capped at 30 students.
What if I need to drop out of the FLOW program?
Before applying, we encourage you to look ahead in the next calendar year and decide if you are able to fully commit to this program. If an extenuating circumstance arises during the year that prevents you from completing the program, we ask that you let the FLOW Program Coordinator know as soon as possible.