POC Youth in Conservation Academy

To foster a more inclusive and innovative conservation community, it is crucial to actively engage and inspire young people of color through opportunities rooted in racially equitable practices. YES! For Equity has created an eight-session academy for a maximum of 20 youth leaders aged 14–18 from rural, historically disinvested, low-wealth communities to gain the knowledge, skills, and critical awareness to gain a deeper understanding of racial equity, leadership, community organizing, and biodiversity and conservation advocacy. They will receive a $360 stipend for full participation in the academy and be tasked with planning and implementing a Biodiversity and Conservation capstone project with the opportunity to apply for a $2,500 grant (provided by the Bezos Fund) to support the development of their project.