This March, Conservation Nation launched the Conservation Nation Academy. This 8-week pilot program for 80 middle school students in Washington, D.C., encourages youth to explore local nature, examine their abilities as “wildlife champions,” and consider career paths into conservation.

We are pleased to partner with the Washington Jesuit Academy and the Washington School for Girls, two tuition-free independent day schools for low-income and underserved communities. Host teachers from the schools are paired with Conservation Nation visiting instructors to engage students in lessons and activities designed to motivate them to take informed actions to conserve the environment, now and in the future. Students will hear from Conservation Nation grant winners and team members and participate in virtual chats with professional scientists from program partner Skype a Scientist.

The Academy highlights diverse professionals so students can see themselves represented within the conservation field, with some feeling inspired to pursue a career in conservation. Students will also participate in the City Nature Challenge, an international “bio blitz” event that will support their confidence and motivation to spend time outdoors.

Finally, students will reflect on their program participation and describe how they can apply their conservation mindset to their lives and future careers. At the culmination of the program, students will be outfitted with gear courtesy of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund so they can continue their outdoor explorations.

We are grateful to our host schools, teachers, and, most importantly, student participants. The insights and feedback gained from this pilot program will inform our next steps as we continue to work towards a nationally recognized conservation career exploration program.