Our Stepping Stones Program (SSP) showcases a recreational pathway to and through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. The Stepping Stones Program is an introductory experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
You will complete this program with newfound knowledge about wildlife/fisheries biology and become a certified Conservation Advocate.
**Applications for the 2025 season will open January 1, 2025. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date.**
Learn hands-on about wildlife, habitat management and conservation in an enriching environment from natural resource professionals.
Leave prepared to use what you have learned to become an advocate for conservation in your community.
After the Stepping Stones Program, our dedicated Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement will help you be successful with your community outreach by:
Giving you clear guidelines for how to complete your outreach.
Sending you monthly outreach opportunities.
Being available to answers questions or help you by phone and/or email five days a week.
We are committed to ensuring equity in education for all students. No one should ever be prevented from engaging with the Academy because of barriers. We aim to ensure that if a student is accepted into the program because of their passion to become a Conservation Advocate, we will work to reduce any barriers that may prevent them from attending.
TUITION + SCHOLARSHIPS
Tuition Cost is $150 which includes housing and meals. Scholarship support is available!
*Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and funds available.
TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT
We understand that transportation to field school can be a barrier for some families. We are seeking solutions to help our accepted students and their families get to field school.
APPLYING FOR SUPPORT
Scholarship and transportation support request questions are included on the Stepping Stones Program application.
*Support requests have no bearing on your acceptance to the program.
HOW TO APPLY
We are looking for 14-16 year-old students with an interest in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation and the outdoors. Applicants will be selected based on academic and non-academic achievements and activities as well as a personal essay (find link below).
**No knowledge is needed – this is an introductory experience**
The application is open from January 1 to February 28. Notification of acceptance via email will begin in the second week of March.
**Applications for the 2025 season will open January 1, 2025. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date.**
Nope! Stepping Stones is an introductory program. No knowledge needed.
I have never experienced much of the fishing world, let alone the branch that is the wonderful and culture-rich area of fly fishing. This course was absolutely what I required in order to begin my journey into fly fishing. This is one of the best camps I’ve attended.
Academy Student
I have been an angler for years but had never participated in fly fishing prior to the program. I am now leaving with the accomplishment of catching my first brown trout. SSP was by far the most fun I have ever had while being taught.
Academy Student
I learned a lot about fly fishing that I can use moving forward. I can now see the close connection between fly fishing and conservation. I feel very confident now to be able to help with my community and help promote conservation.
Academy Student
QUESTIONS?
Have you read all the details but still have questions about the Stepping Stones Program?
Please reach out to our Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement, Katie Cassidy, and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have!
APPLY TODAY...
to become a Conservation Advocate!
Our Stepping Stones Program (SSP) showcases a recreational pathway to and through the Wildlife Leadership Academy. The Stepping Stones Program is an introductory experience for those just getting their feet wet in conservation, wildlife/fisheries biology, or outdoor recreation!
You will complete this program with newfound knowledge about wildlife/fisheries biology and become a certified Conservation Advocate.
**Applications for the 2025 season will open January 1, 2025. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date.**
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LISTAs a graduate of the Stepping Stones Program you will receive:
PLUS, you will be eligible to:
Your journey begins by attending our 3-day residential (overnight) program.
Click on the button below to explore our 2025 Stepping Stones Program offering!
Fly Fishing
TBD
learn more!Focusing on mentored fly fishing opportunities.
At Stepping Stones you will:
After the Stepping Stones Program, our dedicated Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement will help you be successful with your community outreach by:
We are committed to ensuring equity in education for all students. No one should ever be prevented from engaging with the Academy because of barriers. We aim to ensure that if a student is accepted into the program because of their passion to become a Conservation Advocate, we will work to reduce any barriers that may prevent them from attending.
TUITION + SCHOLARSHIPS
Tuition Cost is $150 which includes housing and meals. Scholarship support is available!
*Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and funds available.
TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT
We understand that transportation to field school can be a barrier for some families. We are seeking solutions to help our accepted students and their families get to field school.
APPLYING FOR SUPPORT
Scholarship and transportation support request questions are included on the Stepping Stones Program application.
*Support requests have no bearing on your acceptance to the program.
HOW TO APPLY
We are looking for 14-16 year-old students with an interest in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation and the outdoors. Applicants will be selected based on academic and non-academic achievements and activities as well as a personal essay (find link below).
**No knowledge is needed – this is an introductory experience**
The application is open from January 1 to February 28. Notification of acceptance via email will begin in the second week of March.
**Applications for the 2025 season will open January 1, 2025. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date.**
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE MAILING LISTTHE WILDLIFE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PROGRAM GOES BEYOND ONE WEEKEND, BEYOND ONE YEAR – IT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LAST YOU A LIFETIME.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend a Stepping Stone Program to attend a Wildlife Leadership Academy Field School?
If I attend a Stepping Stone Program, am I automatically accepted into a Wildlife Leadership Academy Field School?
Do I need fly fishing experience to attend a Stepping Stones Program?
I have never experienced much of the fishing world, let alone the branch that is the wonderful and culture-rich area of fly fishing. This course was absolutely what I required in order to begin my journey into fly fishing. This is one of the best camps I’ve attended.
Academy Student
I have been an angler for years but had never participated in fly fishing prior to the program. I am now leaving with the accomplishment of catching my first brown trout. SSP was by far the most fun I have ever had while being taught.
Academy Student
I learned a lot about fly fishing that I can use moving forward. I can now see the close connection between fly fishing and conservation. I feel very confident now to be able to help with my community and help promote conservation.
Academy Student
QUESTIONS?
Have you read all the details but still have questions about the Stepping Stones Program?
Please reach out to our Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement, Katie Cassidy, and she will be happy to answer any questions you might have!
You can reach her at 570-939-5109 or kcassidy@wildlifeleadershipacademy.org.