The Wildlife Leadership Academy in Union County is seeking nominations of motivated students ages 14 to 17 to become Certified Conservation Ambassadors.

The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to engage and empower high school age youth to become Conservation Ambassadors to ensure a sustained wildlife, fisheries and natural resource legacy for future generations.

Nominated students should have demonstrated interest in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation. Accepted nominees will become certified Conservation Ambassadors through attending a 5-day residential summer field schools which focuses on a particular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, bass, brook trout, ruffed grouse, and/or turkey.

Students in each field school will gain extensive knowledge about natural resource conservation, leadership experience, and communication skills.

Applicants may be nominated by an adult who knows them well but is not a relative (teacher, school counselor, Envirothon advisor, employer, youth group leader, etc.).

As Conservation Ambassadors, students can receive a letter of a recommendation for college applications; certification of community service work, and a certificate designating them as Conservation Ambassadors.

Students are also eligible to apply for three college credits through Cedar Crest College, return to the Academy tuition free the following year, compete for college scholarships, and join an Academy Alumni Network of 100+ wildlife, fisheries, and conservation professionals.

Academy Alumni and Conservation Ambassador Luke Benzinger of Westmoreland County describes his participation in the program as “life changing.”

“My whole life changed since attending the Wildlife Leadership Academy where I talked to so many knowledgeable adults who wanted to spend time with other teenagers that were there with me,” said Benzinger.  “These adults opened my eyes to what I could do to teach everyone else in the world about the passion I have for the outdoors.”

Nominations are now being accepted online. Please contact Michele Kittell, Executive Director, at 570-245-8518 or send email to: mkittell@wildlifeleadershipacademy.org  with any questions.

The Academy, a nonprofit organization, is a cooperative initiative involving state agencies and conservation organizations. For more information, visit the Wildlife Leadership Academy website or on Facebook.

NewsClips:

Audubon PA: Highlighting Nature, History In The Discovery Center At Philadelphia Landmark

SEEDS Environmental Ed Center Goes Solar In Wayne County

From Forest To Classroom: Lehman Sanctuary Goes Online In Luzerne

DCNR’s PA Outdoors Corps An Introduction To Conservation Jobs

Acid Spill Prompts King’s College Laboratory Evacuation

Related Story:

Wildlife Leadership Academy Awards $2,500 In College Scholarships To 5 Teen Conservation Leaders In Honor Of Ralph Abele

[Posted: Sept. 13, 2018]

9/17/2018