OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
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 intentionally to affirm all those we engage with for who they are. Through flexible housing options and nametag customizations, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures belonging and respects individual identities throughout the Academy experience.
Learning
We are deeply committed to creating an environment where all students can grow and succeed. By working closely with families, we support students who need additional accommodations in and beyond the classroom while celebrating each individual’s unique strengths and contributions.
Perspectives
By incorporating perspectives shaped by lived experiences, we aim to provide a richer field school experience for all participants. Our commitment to embracing diverse viewpoints strengthens learning, deepens understanding of the natural world, and ensures everyone feels 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 TO
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
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 intentionally to affirm all those we engage with for who they are. Through flexible housing options and nametag customizations, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that nurtures belonging and respects individual identities throughout the Academy experience.
Learning
We are deeply committed to creating an environment where all students can grow and succeed. By working closely with families, we support students who need additional accommodations in and beyond the classroom while celebrating each individual’s unique strengths and contributions.
Perspectives
By incorporating perspectives shaped by lived experiences, we aim to provide a richer field school experience for all participants. Our commitment to embracing diverse viewpoints strengthens learning, deepens understanding of the natural world, and ensures everyone feels 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.