Every organism plays a role in an ecosystem, just as everyone belongs in nature—and the more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it is. We honor each individual through our programmatic culture, understanding that our engagement with young conservation leaders better equips them to face the natural resource challenges ahead.
BUILDING BELONGING
Since 2022, the Academy has placed an intense focus on ensuring its actions align with its programmatic values, which center on building belonging.
Identity We work hard to affirm all those we engage with for who they are. We offer various housing options and nametag customizations to nurture and support all involved with the Academy.
Learning We are deeply dedicated to creating an environment where all students can grow and are empowered to succeed. As a team, we work with families to meet the needs of students who need extra support in and out of the classroom and celebrate each individual’s unique strengths, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Perspectives By incorporating the viewpoints of lived experiences, we aim to provide an enriching experience for all participants at field school. Our unwavering commitment to embracing varied perspectives ensures a comprehensive educational experience, promoting a broader understanding of the natural world and making everyone feel respected and heard.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
No one should ever be prevented from engaging with the Academy because of barriers. We are committed to ensuring that if a student is accepted into the program because of their passion to become a Conservation Ambassador, we will proactively work to reduce any barriers that may prevent them from attending.
Two ways we are currently taking action are:
(1) Reducing financial barriers to entry. 25%- 100% tuition scholarships are offered for the program. Students can apply for scholarship aid when they apply to our programs. Notification of scholarship aid is provided at the time of acceptance.
(2) Academy staff work to address other barriers, such as coordinating transportation and preparing language interpreters to communicate program details to students’ parents whose native language is not English.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy's programs bring youth of different backgrounds together!
Honoring each student’s uniqueness, we aim to show them that we welcome the value their experience brings to the program, whether through conversation or through a reflection of their individual and/or team projects during their time with us.
The Academy values respectful listening and conversing, open and authentic learning, and nonjudgmental discussions between our students, mentors, volunteers, staff, and instructors.
We understand there is always work to do, and we do not shy away from challenging conversations. We hope that our current efforts move the needle in the right direction. We are dedicated to making even more of an impact through additional programming and deeper discussions with our students.
Our Commitment
Every organism plays a role in an ecosystem, just as everyone belongs in nature—and the more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it is. We honor each individual through our programmatic culture, understanding that our engagement with young conservation leaders better equips them to face the natural resource challenges ahead.
BUILDING BELONGING
Since 2022, the Academy has placed an intense focus on ensuring its actions align with its programmatic values, which center on building belonging.
Identity
We work hard to affirm all those we engage with for who they are. We offer various housing options and nametag customizations to nurture and support all involved with the Academy.
Learning
We are deeply dedicated to creating an environment where all students can grow and are empowered to succeed. As a team, we work with families to meet the needs of students who need extra support in and out of the classroom and celebrate each individual’s unique strengths, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Perspectives
By incorporating the viewpoints of lived experiences, we aim to provide an enriching experience for all participants at field school. Our unwavering commitment to embracing varied perspectives ensures a comprehensive educational experience, promoting a broader understanding of the natural world and making everyone feel respected and heard.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
No one should ever be prevented from engaging with the Academy because of barriers. We are committed to ensuring that if a student is accepted into the program because of their passion to become a Conservation Ambassador, we will proactively work to reduce any barriers that may prevent them from attending.
Two ways we are currently taking action are:
(1) Reducing financial barriers to entry. 25%- 100% tuition scholarships are offered for the program. Students can apply for scholarship aid when they apply to our programs. Notification of scholarship aid is provided at the time of acceptance.
(2) Academy staff work to address other barriers, such as coordinating transportation and preparing language interpreters to communicate program details to students’ parents whose native language is not English.
The Wildlife Leadership Academy's programs bring youth of different backgrounds together!
Honoring each student’s uniqueness, we aim to show them that we welcome the value their experience brings to the program, whether through conversation or through a reflection of their individual and/or team projects during their time with us.
The Academy values respectful listening and conversing, open and authentic learning, and nonjudgmental discussions between our students, mentors, volunteers, staff, and instructors.
We understand there is always work to do, and we do not shy away from challenging conversations. We hope that our current efforts move the needle in the right direction. We are dedicated to making even more of an impact through additional programming and deeper discussions with our students.