The Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Class of 2025 has officially set a new benchmark for outreach impact. This year’s class completed an incredible 2,325 outreach projects, reaching 36,800 people and dedicating 6,392 hours to conservation efforts in their home communities. These numbers represent far more than statistics; they reflect thousands of meaningful conversations, hands-on learning experiences, and community connections shaping the future of conservation across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Since 2007, Wildlife Leadership Academy participants have completed a remarkable 13,866 outreach projects, reaching 237,440 people and contributing 52,170 hours of volunteer work. With each graduating class, that legacy continues to grow, and the Class of 2025 has raised the bar once again, building on nearly two decades of youth-driven conservation leadership.
Nyomi combined outdoor adventures, environmental education, creative arts, and community service, including hikes, paddling trips, art projects, and local volunteer work.
A closer look at this year’s outreach highlights the many ways students are making a difference in their communities. Through educational programs, students reached thousands by leading classroom presentations, workshops, and public events that shared their knowledge and passion for wildlife and conservation. Service-based projects contributed meaningful, hands-on work that directly benefited local environments, while outdoor mentorship opportunities allowed students to guide and inspire others through experiences in the field. Many participants also expanded their reach through media projects, using digital platforms and creative storytelling to share conservation messages with broader audiences.
Anya created educational trifolds, participated in wildlife projects, and shared her experiences at school and leadership conferences.
Octavius practiced nature photography, went birding at various locations, and assisted with owl banding and other scientific research.
Behind every project is a student who took initiative and stepped into a leadership role. From organizing events and teaching peers to mentoring younger students and creating educational content, the Class of 2025 has shown that leadership in conservation is about action. Their willingness to engage, educate, and inspire others continues to set Wildlife Leadership Academy participants apart.
Gabe guided students in firearms safety instruction and presented his trifold project on Mayflies and Stoneflies at a homeschool co-op event.
Eme monitored water quality, planted native species, and shared educational displays with friends and her community.
As we celebrate this record-breaking year, it’s clear that the impact of these efforts extends far beyond what can be measured. Across communities, students are creating meaningful experiences that connect people to wildlife and conservation in lasting ways. If this year is any indication, the future of conservation is in very capable hands.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are so proud of all of your outreach accomplishments. We can’t wait to see how you continue to lead and make an impact in the years ahead.
Class of 2025 Achieves Record-Breaking Outreach Impact
Posted: April 4, 2026 by Katie Mace
Another year, another record shattered.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy’s Class of 2025 has officially set a new benchmark for outreach impact. This year’s class completed an incredible 2,325 outreach projects, reaching 36,800 people and dedicating 6,392 hours to conservation efforts in their home communities. These numbers represent far more than statistics; they reflect thousands of meaningful conversations, hands-on learning experiences, and community connections shaping the future of conservation across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Since 2007, Wildlife Leadership Academy participants have completed a remarkable 13,866 outreach projects, reaching 237,440 people and contributing 52,170 hours of volunteer work. With each graduating class, that legacy continues to grow, and the Class of 2025 has raised the bar once again, building on nearly two decades of youth-driven conservation leadership.
A closer look at this year’s outreach highlights the many ways students are making a difference in their communities. Through educational programs, students reached thousands by leading classroom presentations, workshops, and public events that shared their knowledge and passion for wildlife and conservation. Service-based projects contributed meaningful, hands-on work that directly benefited local environments, while outdoor mentorship opportunities allowed students to guide and inspire others through experiences in the field. Many participants also expanded their reach through media projects, using digital platforms and creative storytelling to share conservation messages with broader audiences.
Behind every project is a student who took initiative and stepped into a leadership role. From organizing events and teaching peers to mentoring younger students and creating educational content, the Class of 2025 has shown that leadership in conservation is about action. Their willingness to engage, educate, and inspire others continues to set Wildlife Leadership Academy participants apart.
As we celebrate this record-breaking year, it’s clear that the impact of these efforts extends far beyond what can be measured. Across communities, students are creating meaningful experiences that connect people to wildlife and conservation in lasting ways. If this year is any indication, the future of conservation is in very capable hands.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are so proud of all of your outreach accomplishments. We can’t wait to see how you continue to lead and make an impact in the years ahead.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, outreach