EXCELerator Program: An intensive six-month leadership and Capacity-Building Training

The eighth edition of the EXCELerator program will run for six months, from January to June 2025. Participation is 100% virtual and offered at no cost, thanks to the generous support of their partners. You can choose between two learning pathways to complete the program based on their learning needs, expectations, and availability.

Participating in the EXCELerator program is an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in all aspects behind planning and implementing a successful conservation project, with a youth focus. Based on the internationally recognized Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, the program will start by giving you a framework with which to approach a conservation problem and address the solution, using a theory of change to make a Project plan. The Conservations Standards are a widely adopted set of adaptive tools and guidance to help plan and run effective conservation projects. They firmly believe incorporating them into your work will empower you to take your conservation idea to the next level.

Categories

• EXCELerator LIVE Program:
  • Six-month cohort-based program centered around virtual live sessions, facilitated by the CoalitionWILD team with participation from young conservation leaders.
  • Access pre-recorded sessions led by young conservation experts, published fortnightly on their learning platform.
  • Commit to attending live sessions, held fortnightly on Thursdays. These sessions provide a collaborative space to apply what you learn from the pre-recorded sessions to your own project. Attendance of 80% of live sessions is required for graduation, as it supports the successful implementation of your project.
  • The live sessions also offer opportunities to connect with peers, share progress, ask questions, and gain different perspectives.
• EXCELerator FLEX Program:
  • Six-month self-paced program to develop and implement your project idea.
  • Fortnightly pre-recorded sessions led by young conservation experts.
  • Engage in active discussion forums on their learning platform to ask questions, collaborate, and network with peers.
  • No live sessions required—solidify your learning through short multiple-choice quizzes and feedback surveys at the end of each program phase.
  • Optional informal live sessions, such as Reflection Labs, are occasionally offered. These facilitated feedback sessions allow you to discuss any doubts or questions about your project and seek advice from peers.
  • Ideal for young conservation leaders who have a project idea and/or want to acquire the skills needed to implement or scale their conservation efforts.

Expected Outcomes

• The program will be facilitated through the Thinkific learning platform, which will remain accessible to all participants throughout its duration (from January to July 2025).
• Participants will gain access to 12 pre-recorded sessions led by young conservation experts, covering topics such as project development and management, fundraising and grant writing, effective communication, and more!
• Each session will be 45-60 minutes long, with presentation slides available for download on their learning platform. Additional follow-up resources will also be provided to support your learning.
• Participate in discussion forums and interact with fellow participants by sharing key concepts learned in each recorded session, asking questions, and showcasing the work you’re doing in your own country and with your projects.
• Participants will have access to downloadable toolkits and resources throughout the EXCELerator program. This includes a continually updated and curated list of resources that they can utilize to benefit themselves and their projects.
• Participants will have the opportunity to receive an official Certificate of Completion, showcasing their achievements throughout the six-month program.
• Gain access to global opportunities for funding and networking, and have your project highlighted on CoalitionWILD’s social media channels, with potential partners and their WILD Voices blog.

Eligibility Criteria

• They are looking forward to reviewing your application if you are interested in being part of this journey with them. In order to be eligible for the program, you need to:
  • Be 35 years of age or younger at the start of the program (January 9, 2025).
  • Have a project idea, a project in its early implementation stage, or a project with the potential to scale up within the conservation field.
  • Have the energy and availability to dedicate your time to develop your project idea. For EXCELerator FLEX participants be prepared to commit two hours of your time per week, and EXCELerator LIVE participants are expected to work on their project for three-four hours per week. Please bear in mind that this program is intensive and time-demanding when applying.
  • Have a computer and reliable internet connection throughout the course of the program to access the program’s learning platform and be able to watch the recorded sessions (as well as the live sessions, if you are applying for the EXCELerator LIVE program).
  • For the EXCELerator LIVE program pathway: Availability to virtually participate in the fortnightly live sessions throughout the six months of the program, happening on Thursdays.

For more information, visit CoalitionWILD.