Audubon Florida's Conservation Leadership Initiative (CLI) is an experiential learning program providing opportunities for undergraduate college students to immerse themselves in Audubon initiatives and chapters, strengthen leadership skills, and gain an understanding of career options in the conservation field. CLI is a unique, intergenerational experience uniting Audubon’s leaders with a diverse group of college students from across Florida. The program pairs each student with an Audubon chapter leader, offering co-mentoring opportunities for Audubon leaders and college students to network, share, and learn from each other. Through CLI, students are introduced to Audubon conservation initiatives, and Audubon leaders learn how to better engage, communicate with, and develop the next generation of leaders.
In 2019, CLI expanded from a one-day event at the Audubon Assembly to a year-long program, offering more opportunities for students to fully immerse themselves into both their local Audubon chapter and the Audubon Florida network. Students are offered a variety of experiences across the state, both in person and through online platforms. Topics include Audubon Florida’s Community Science initiatives, Audubon sustainability partners, hands-on restoration and conservation projects, advocacy, and more.
The application for the 2025-26 Cohort will open soon. For any questions, please contact Kristen Kosik at kristen.kosik@audubon.org.
Striving to create a growth-oriented environment, CLI is designed to be welcoming, equitable, and accessible for everyone. We believe the diversity of ideas and approaches influenced by our different lived experiences is critical for the future of Audubon. As such, applicants from underrepresented groups in conservation and other natural resources fields are strongly encouraged to apply.
The connections forged here will undoubtedly shape my journey as a future conservation professional.
Leila Sujanani, University of South Florida, 2023-2024 Cohort
CLI is a game changer when it comes to personal, academic, and career growth.
Melissa Murray, Nova Southeastern University, 2022-2023 Cohort
The CLI program has been an amazing opportunity to network with conservation professionals and learn about their work.
Abby Reed, University of South Florida, 2023-2024 Cohort
As a member of Audubon's Conservation Leadership Initiative, I was eager to deepen my understanding of environmental conservation, but unsure of where to begin. When the opportunity to participate in the alternative spring break arose, I saw it as the perfect chance to further my knowledge.
Every fall, the Conservation Leadership Initiative welcomes 25 Florida college students and 25 Audubon chapter mentors.
Hosted in three regions across the state, the academies brought together our CLI alumni network and current class to host single-day outreach events to connect with college students.
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