Application timeline 

To apply for the 2027 Sea Grant Aquaculture Leadership Academy (ALA), complete the online application form. Applications are due by 5 p.m. CST Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their application status by Dec. 1, 2026.

What’s required (materials, commitment) 

The academy includes two in-person sessions: one week in Minnesota and one week in Texas. The sessions will not be held back to back. 

Session 1: Minnesota 

Monday, May 3, through Thursday, May 6, 2027, based in St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota. Participants should plan to arrive Sunday, May 2, at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and depart Friday, May 7, from Duluth International Airport (DLH) or MSP, depending on preference. Groome Transportation provides bus service between Duluth and MSP with advance ticket purchase. 

Session 2: Texas 

Monday, Oct. 4, through Thursday, Oct. 7, 2027, based in Bay City, Texas. Participants should plan to arrive Sunday, Oct. 3, and depart Friday, Oct. 8, using either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Selection considerations 

First-time ALA applicants will be given preference. 

Application portal 

Fill out this Google Form to indicate your interest in attending 2028 ALA programming. We will use the collected email addresses to distribute future applications.

Contacts 

• Julia Grenn, Minnesota Sea Grant Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator, [email protected] 
• Mario Marquez, Texas Sea Grant Aquaculture Specialist, [email protected]