The Wildlife Leadership Academy enriches teens and empowers them to become certified Conservation Ambassadors through attending one of our 5-day residential summer field schools.
Our students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife and conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills. Help us continue to build a network of inspired and dedicated young leaders for conservation to ensure a sustained wildlife legacy for future generations!
Our Conservation Ambassadors receive:
Certificate designating them as a Conservation Ambassador.
Letters of recommendation for college applications and job opportunities.
Certification of community service work.
PLUS, Conservation Ambassadors are also eligible to:
Receive 3 college credits from Cedar Crest College.
Apply to become a Youth Mentor and return to the program tuition free the following year.
Compete for college scholarships.
Attend college visit days at colleges and universities that have wildlife and conservation programs.
Continue with Advanced Conservation Ambassador Training in the Apprentice Program.
Join an Academy Alumni Network of over 1000 alumni professionals, including those in the wildlife, fisheries, and conservation fields.
We are looking for highly motivated students between the ages of 14 and 17 to join one of our 5-day residential summer wildlife/fisheries focused field schools to begin their journey to become Conservation Ambassadors. Students should have demonstrated interest in the outdoors and in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation.
**Nominations for 2025 are now closed! Students interested in our programs are encouraged to apply directly using the button below. If you’d like to stay informed about future opportunities, join our mailing list by clicking here.**
Tuition Cost is $600 which includes housing and meals. Scholarship support is available based upon available funds. Applicants can request scholarship support during the application process. Students are also encouraged to connect with their communities to find tuition support.
Invitation to apply packets will be mailed the first week of January to students who are nominated prior to this date. Students nominated after January 1st will be mailed a packet within two weeks of receiving their nomination.
Yes, the field school is 5 days/4 nights. However, the Wildlife Leadership Academy is not just a one week program, accepted students are mentored to engage in conservation focused community outreach after the field school. In addition, we aim to support the success of our alumni from high school to college to career.
Please reach out to our Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement, Katie Cassidy, directly and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have!
You can reach her at 570-939-5109 or kcassidy@wildlifeleadershipacademy.org.
NOMINATE A TEEN
The Wildlife Leadership Academy enriches teens and empowers them to become certified Conservation Ambassadors through attending one of our 5-day residential summer field schools.
Our students gain extensive knowledge about wildlife and conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills. Help us continue to build a network of inspired and dedicated young leaders for conservation to ensure a sustained wildlife legacy for future generations!
Our Conservation Ambassadors receive:
PLUS, Conservation Ambassadors are also eligible to:
We are looking for highly motivated students between the ages of 14 and 17 to join one of our 5-day residential summer wildlife/fisheries focused field schools to begin their journey to become Conservation Ambassadors. Students should have demonstrated interest in the outdoors and in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation.
**Nominations for 2025 are now closed! Students interested in our programs are encouraged to apply directly using the button below. If you’d like to stay informed about future opportunities, join our mailing list by clicking here.**
Field SChool Application PageFrequently Asked Questions by Nominators
What is the cost of tuition for the Wildlife Leadership Academy?
When will my nominee hear from the Academy?
Is this an overnight camp?
More questions?