The Center for Conservation Leadership (CCL) develops and empowers the next generation of conservation leaders to understand the importance of human interaction with the environment and to take responsibility for its care and preservation. CCL enables teens to develop a sense of belonging to the natural world with a group of like-minded people. CCL participants are motivated high school students from diverse backgrounds with a keen interest in the environment and a passion for the outdoors. The year-long program combines environmental education, leadership training and community service in an in-depth, field-based experience.
Schedule:
July 6 – 29, 2021: Teen Naturalist Summer Experience
CCL begins with a special interactive experience called The Path to Conservation which includes videos, virtual or in-person meetings and field trips, to help you understand the natural world and how nature is part of many professions, including those not traditionally thought of as “outdoors,” such as health care, city planning and even yoga. It is a pathway for young leaders interested in belonging to the natural world, working within it and increasing skills to help make that connection happen.
You also engage in a self-guided exploration of the green spaces nearest your home to broaden your environmental awareness.
July 30 – May 1, 2022: Action Project
As students, you will work on an Action Project, tackling an issue that has meaning to you as a group. Together you find solutions and work to positively impact your communities.
Students also participate in several field trips and workdays, improving our local environment where we live, work and play.
June 13 – 30, 2022: Eco-trip to Northern Wisconsin
Students who complete the Action Project are welcome to participate in a culminating three-week trip to northern Wisconsin designed to be an integrated and interactive experience. We hike, backpack, canoe, kayak and rock climb, incorporating all we have learned.
Throughout CCL, you continue to have more opportunities to challenge yourself, build relationships, and explore the environment. CCL rewards you with knowledge and a sense of belonging to nature as a future conservation leader.
Application Information
Applications accepted until May 15, 2021. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We will notify you via email when we receive your application.
APPLY EARLY! Preference is given to students who submit an application early.
Students applying to the CCL Program make a commitment to all components of the program:
• A first year summer experience, July 6 – 29, 2021
• Summer and school year work days and educational seminars
• Community Action Project completed by May 1, 2022.
• Those who complete the above are invited to a three week trip to northern Wisconsin
To Apply, you must:
• Be a high school student in the 2021-22 school year.
• Submit all application materials by May 15, 2021, including:
> Student completed application questions and contact information.
> Recommendation form.
> Scholarship materials (if applicable).
• CCL tuition is $3,000. ($500 is due prior to July 1, 2021; the remainder is due on May 1, 2022 before the trip to Wisconsin). This includes transportation, lodging, food, activities and programming. For help with tuition, please see Scholarship Application.
Looking Ahead:
• Upon receipt of application, students will be contacted for an interview.
• Students will be notified of admission decisions no later than one month after the receipt of completed Application.
You may also download the application from our website here.
