Audubon Florida hosted its annual Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) at the 2017 Audubon Assembly. The Initiative is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for conservation-minded college students. Twenty-five students were part of this year’s class. Through the Initiative, students from throughout the Sunshine State learn about Audubon’s work to protect, conserve, and restore the places that make Florida special.

Audubon Florida is one of the only conservation organizations in the country that actively recruits and inspires college students to protect and conserve their environment. The opportunity includes a mentorship program with Audubon chapter leaders and a special leadership session to train the next generation of conservation leaders. Not only are students better equipped to land a career in conservation after attending CLI, Audubon leaders learn more about how to inspire and engage future generations to care for the environment. Many CLI alums are now Audubon chapter board members, Audubon interns, and employed in the conservation field.

This year, Publix, Darden, SeaWorld, and Audubon staff served on a leadership panel to help students learn how to build their resumes, secure internships, and land a conservation job after graduation! Six students were also selected as Audubon ambassadors and stayed for the entire Audubon Assembly.

The class of 2017 was one of the most competitive classes to apply with more than 80 applicants. With a growing network of CLI alumni, Audubon Florida is setting the example for all conservation organizations and building a strong, diverse, and passionate group of CLI graduates each year. 

Applications for next year’s class will open in Fall 2018. Visit FL.Audubon.org/CLI to learn more.