The standing committee will meet twice yearly, and on an ad hoc basis, as needed, to assist the Gulf Research Program's Education and Engagement Unit in accomplishing its goals to: (1) support the development of a next generation of environmentally and scientifically literate citizens with leadership and capacity for solving complex social and environmental challenges in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) engage diverse future generations to address the scientific, social, and environmental challenges associated in the Gulf of Mexico region through education, outreach, research and experiential opportunities.