Interested in being a conservation leader?
We welcome high school students in their senior year or freshman, sophomore, and junior year college students to receive training in conservation leadership, policy development, communication and advocacy. Experienced leaders provide training.
Network with state, federal, and private conservation organizations. Upon completion, you will receive a $250 scholarship to further your education! All expenses for travel, food, and lodging are covered.
General Information on the Conservation Leadership Corps
In 2013, the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF) initiated an exciting new program to assist in the development of future conservation leaders in Wisconsin, known as the Wisconsin Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). WWF has based the CLC on a highly successful and similar project developed by the Conservation Federation of Missouri, our counterpart organization in the National Wildlife Federation.
The CLC is designed to provide expert training for seniors in high school along with college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to develop leadership skills and techniques to allow students the ability to analyze as well as develop conservation policies in his or her subject of interest. Students involved will also gain experience advocating their conservation resolutions at the Annual Meeting for the WWF. Successfully written and presented conservation resolutions may be adopted by WWF to serve as official polices.
Training will be provided by current and former natural resource professionals in both public, non-profit as well as private sectors. Students will be presented with real-world experience and will receive feedback from professionals with expertise in conservation policy. Such interactions will be valuable to participants in relation to school success, future career aspirations, and involvement in conservation organizations.
Events will be scheduled for four weekends throughout the year (Friday night and most of Saturday). Conservation resolution presentations conducted by those involved would be made at the Annual Meeting of the Wildlife Federation in April. Selected CLC candidates are encouraged to attend most, if not all, of the four training sessions throughout the year.
All expenses encountered while participating in the CLC program will be covered by WWF. At the successful completion of the year, each participant will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment for the training program, a letter of commendation for their resume portfolio and a $250 scholarship to advance their continuing education.
We accept applications throughout the year for the next available CLC class, but please submit your application today.
As an inclusive organization, the WWF’s CLC supports and encourages applicants regardless of background and ability with a passion for the environment and conservation. If for whatever reason you need an accommodation for your application to, and potential participation within, our program, please email the CLC Coordinator to discuss options. Candidates selected will be notified late summer for the upcoming school year. All applicants will be notified either way. More detailed information on the program will be provided to selected candidates.
Generous funding for the Wisconsin Conservation Leadership program has also been provided by the Wisconsin Division of the Izaak Walton League of America, and by those that donate to our yearly raffle.
