Leadership Programs

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.
Connecting with 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

COMPASS Pathfinder: Leaders in Conservation
Cohort selection to be announced in June!
This 8-month program supports conservation experts from across North America to navigate their journey with renewed clarity, energy, and purpose. Participants in the program will develop essential skills to build effective strategies, strengthen resilience, and foster trust and collaboration with others who share a commitment to the well-being of people and nature — both within and beyond the conservation field.
Learn more about COMPASS Pathfinders

Wilburforce Leaders in Conservation Science
Not Currently Accepting Applications
This 9-month program is designed to support conservation scientists to be leaders in a rapidly changing West, as they work collaboratively and independently to advance equitable, inclusive, and just solutions to the challenges that people, western lands, and wildlife face.
Learn more about Wilburforce Leaders

Leaders for Sea Change Program
Not Currently Accepting Applications
This year-long program was designed to build 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, Leaders for Sea Change scientists advance meaningful change within themself, their community, and society.

Scientist Sentinels
Not Currently Accepting Applications
This 9-month program brings together diverse scientists in the United States 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.