Leadership Programs

Where emerging science leaders step into purpose

Through our leadership programs, scientists initiate meaningful change within themselves, their communities, and society. We create inclusive, supportive spaces for growing as a person and a professional, building lifelong relationships, and taking on new leadership roles.

Learning how to wield your own power is transformational

Our leadership programs each begin with a retreat where scientists dive deep and examine why and how they want to become agents of change. Together, we explore the fundamentals of communication, engagement, and purposeful leadership, while creating lasting bonds over storytelling sessions, fireside talks, and shared experiences. Fun plays a big part too!

Our programs are rooted in relationships, collaboration, and a commitment to celebrating victories and supporting each other through hard times. Participants join a larger network devoted to career advancement, solutions-driven impact, and building a scientific community that embraces the full spectrum of identities, voices, values, and ways of knowing. COMPASS is the trusted partner for scientists all over the world who want to step into their purpose and improve the wellbeing of people and nature.

Interested in partnering with COMPASS to design a leadership program? Reach out to us here.

Our Leadership Programs

Leaders for Sea Change Program

COMPASS is building a strong network of scientist leaders to tackle the most urgent crises affecting our oceans. From ecologists working with First Nations in British Columbia, to human geographers working with fishing cooperatives in Baja, to oceanographers studying the whole of the California Current, Leaders for Sea Change welcomes scientists who are eager to grow into a new sense of purpose. ...Read More

This is a year-long program that will prepare you to advance meaningful change within yourself, your community, and society.

Learn more about Leaders for Sea Change

Scientist Sentinels

This program brings diverse scientists working at the nexus of environment and society in the United States together to advance the role of science in society, inspire their peers, and support evidence-based decision making at the local level and beyond. The scientists in each cohort represent different perspectives, fields of study, geographies, backgrounds, identities, values, and career stages. ...Read More

They elevate their abilities as leaders, gain the skills needed to make big goals a reality, communicate across differences, build resilience, and become part of a thriving and supportive network of peers. This is a 9-month program that occurs every two years.

Learn more about Scientist Sentinels

Wilburforce Fellowship in Conservation Science

This year-long program was designed to activate a strong network of conservation scientists with the readiness and vision to be leaders in a rapidly changing West. The program had two initial cohorts (2015 and 2017) and is currently paused for evaluation by Wilburforce Foundation. ...Read More

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Learn more about the Wilburforce Fellows

Current Cohorts

Leadership Programs