The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
An introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Field School + Outreach
A five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Your support will help us fulfill our mission to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
The NextGen Blog gives voice to the next generation of conservation leaders. Written by Academy students, alumni, and staff, each post shares experiences, lessons, and inspiration from the field and beyond. Click here for more stories written by the next generation!
Adult mentor Kait Sweeney shares how the inspires both students and mentors through outdoor learning, conservation, and meaningful connections to nature.
Ursids field school alum, Nyomi continued her outreach efforts throughout her first year at Allegheny College by embracing opportunities that connected environmental awareness, community engagement, and creativity.
In this week’s In Their Own Words, Lily reflects on a decade with the Academy and shares one of her favorite memories — attending alongside her younger brother.
Our Mission
The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
Our Programs
A year-round program, the Academy trainings begin with a rigorous period of residential programming that focus on a special topic in conservation that teaches about ecology, recreation, as well as leadership skills development and continues with community outreach through education, service, media engagement, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship.
Conservation Advocate Training
Stepping Stones Program + Outreach
LEARN MOREAn introductory weekend experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
Conservation Ambassador Training
Field School + Outreach
learn moreA five-day immersive field school where students dive deep into the management of a wildlife or fish species and their habitat.
Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training
Exclusive opportunities such as the Apprentice Program and Advanced Educational Training weekends for our alumni!
learn moreNominate a Teen
Academy students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife, fisheries, and conservation plus develop leadership and communication skills. Do you know of a student who would benefit from our programs? Learn more about the nomination process today!
Invest in the Next Generation
Your support will help us fulfill our mission to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.
NextGen Blog
The NextGen Blog gives voice to the next generation of conservation leaders. Written by Academy students, alumni, and staff, each post shares experiences, lessons, and inspiration from the field and beyond. Click here for more stories written by the next generation!
In Their Own Words – Kait’s Story
June 6, 2026
By Katie Mace
Adult mentor Kait Sweeney shares how the inspires both students and mentors through outdoor learning, conservation, and meaningful connections to nature.
Outreach Highlight: Nyomi’s Curiosity in Action
May 30, 2026
By Katie Mace
Ursids field school alum, Nyomi continued her outreach efforts throughout her first year at Allegheny College by embracing opportunities that connected environmental awareness, community engagement, and creativity.
In Their Own Words – Lily’s Story
May 23, 2026
By Katie Mace
In this week’s In Their Own Words, Lily reflects on a decade with the Academy and shares one of her favorite memories — attending alongside her younger brother.