WILDLIFE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY for Teens

The Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA) is a wildlife-focused

leadership program that equips youth ages 14-17 with the

necessary skills to become ambassadors for conservation in

their home communities.  In addition to intensive field

experiences in wildlife biology, this program enables youth

to develop important leadership skills, such as public

speaking, critical thinking, and team work.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy brings the biological

expertise of Pennsylvania Audubon, Pennsylvania Department

of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania

Quality Deer Management Association, Pennsylvania State

University, Ruffed Grouse Society and the US Army Corps of

Engineers directly to high school students.  Major topics

covered during each five-day residential field school

include:

• WILDIFE BIOLOGY

• HABITAT MANAGEMENT

• RESEARCH AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES

• THE ROLE OF HUNTING IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT • NATURE

PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOURNALING • COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND

EDUCATION

After the field school, we continue to mentor the youth

throughout the year as they participate in at least three

public outreach and/or service activities in wildlife and

habitat conservation.

WHAT KIND OF YOUTH ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

WLA is seeking youth applicants ages 14-17 who are highly

motivated and are interested in wildlife, conservation, and

the outdoors.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Adults can participate in the Wildlife Leadership Academy as

Team Leaders.

Team Leaders are the primary mentors and motivators of the

youth during the five-day field school, guiding them as they

push themselves academically, physically, and emotionally.

These adult participants lead teams consisting of five youth

and one youth Assistant Team Leader (a student who has

participated in the program in a prior year).

We have openings for four Team Leaders for each field school

(eight openings total). Team leaders will receive a

scholarship covering tuition costs (includes materials,

food, and housing for the week), and those who are teachers

will receive 40 Act 48 credit hours.

If you love wildlife and the outdoors, this is a perfect

opportunity to share your passion with a younger generation!

WHAT FIELD SCHOOLS ARE AVAILABLE IN 2010?

PENNSYLVANIA DRUMMERS – focuses on the Ruffed Grouse

WHEN: June 22-26

WHERE: Powdermill Nature Reserve in Westmoreland County

PENNSYLVANIA BUCKTAILS – focuses on the White-tailed Deer

WHEN: July 6-10

WHERE: Stone Valley Recreation Area in Huntingdon County

HOW DOES A STUDENT OR ADULT APPLY?

Both students and adults can find applications at

www.PICEweb.org(click on the Youth Programs Link) or

contact the Program Coordinator, Michele Kittell at

mkittell@piceweb.orgor 570-245-8518 for more information.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is a cooperative initiative

of various state agencies and conservation organizations.

It is coordinated and administered by the Pennsylvania

Institute for Conservation Education (PICE).