The mission of the Wildlife Leadership Academy is to empower youth to become ambassadors for wildlife conservation in order to ensure a sustained wildlife legacy for future generations.
A year round program, the Academy begins with rigorous summer field schools that focus on wildlife biology and conservation as well as leadership skills development and continues with community service through education, stewardship, and interaction with media and the arts.
Please take a look at our new video on youtube:
Stories from the Wildlife Leadership Academy
APPLICATION DEADLINE
APRIL 10, 2012
2012 Application
2012 Field School Dates
Post Field School Community Service
Qualifications and Tuition
2012 Summer Field School Flyer
Please contact the Academy Director with any questions:
Michele Kittell
email:
mkittellATpiceweb.org
phone:
570-245-8518
To learn even more about the program click here to watch a short video onWQED!
2012 FIELD SCHOOL:
PENNSYLVANIA BUCKTAILS
focuses on white-tailed deer
JUNE 19-23, 2012
at Stone Valley Recreation Area
Huntingdon County
PENNSYLVANIA BROOKIES
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
At the residential field school youth spend an intensive week in the field engaging in hands-on learning about:
Wildlife or fisheries biology
Explore the anatomy and physiology of particular species by participating in a necropsy under the guidance of wildlife veterinarians.
Develop a deeper understanding of the annual cycle and behavior of the particular wildlife species.
Habitat and management
Spend time with expert biologists in the field assessing habitat quality and collecting and preserving important plants and/or invertebrates that are important to the study species.
Research and monitoring techniques
Experience for yourself how biologists use technologies such as radio telemetry, GPS, infra-red imagery, and cameras to study and monitor wildlife.
Role of hunting & fishing in wildlife management
Learn about the role of sportsmen in wildlife and habitat management.
Spend time learning about gun safety and firing or fly fishing techniques with expert instructors.
Nature photography and journaling
Develop your skills in nature photography under the guidance of experts.
Reflect on daily activities and experiences by creating your own nature journal.
Community service training
Spend time with radio, television, and writing professionals engaging in mock interviews and more to prepare you for communicating with the media.
After the field school, we will continue to mentor you throughout the year as you participate in at least three public outreach activities relating to wildlife and habitat conservation.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
"Genius is three percent inspiration and ninety-seven percent perspiration."
--Thomas Edison
When accepted into the Academy, students commit to doing a minimum of three community service projects after they return home using the knowledge and skills they obtain at the field school.
Outreach includes:
- Education
- Service
- Media Relations
- Participation in the Arts
Youth account for their outreach in Record Book of Accomplisments. Outstanding community outreach can qualify youth for:
- Assitant Team Leader Positions
(youth who come back to the field school to mentor and guide the new students)
- college scholarships
- special field trips
QUALIFICATIONS AND TUITION
Enrollment in this program is selective and competitive. Participation in each program is limited to 20 students, ages 14 -17. WLA is co-ed and we encourage both girls and boys to apply. Out-of-state students may apply, however preference is for in-state students.
We are seeking high achieving students with an interest in biology, wildlife, hunting, conservation, or the outdoors who meet the following requirements:
- Must be 14 - 17 years old.
- Must be able to demonstrate extra-curricular and scholastic achievements.
Tuition for this year-long experience is $500.00*
*Need help with tuition costs? Apply for a scholarship! Scholarships are available and can cover up to 80% of tuition.
We also encourage you to contact your local conservation organizations (Audubon chapters, Quality Deer Management Assoc. chapters, PA Deer Assoc., etc.), sportsman clubs (Rod and Gun Club, PA Federation of Sportsman Club, etc.), and local businesses for tuition sponsorships. To find local conservation organizations and sportsman's clubs, check out our Youth Resources page.
Michele Kittell, WLA Director
Field Office: 206 Market St., Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-245-8518
mkittell AT piceweb.org |
