1. What is YCP?
The Young Conservation Professionals (YCP) Leadership Program is a year-long leadership development program for conservation and environmental professionals in the Province of Ontario. The program has graduated over 150 participants since 2005.
2. What are the benefits of the program for participants and employers?
The benefits of the program for both participants and employers include:
- increased participant confidence;
- increased participant motivation to pursue new challenges and responsibility in the workplace;
- enhanced participant understanding of both their natural strengths and weaknesses in various leadership and management competencies, including interpersonal communication, negotiation, facilitation, public speaking, budgeting and program evaluation;
- increased participant understanding of the environmental/conservation sector and an expanded professional network.
Upon successful completion of the program participants receive a certificate and are invited to attend program graduation at the A. D. Latornell Conservation Symposium.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for program participants?
All program participants must have:
1. at least 2 years of full-time employment in land and water conservation, the environment, or a related field following completion of a college diploma or undergraduate degree,
2. a staff position in a government or non-profit organization in the Province of Ontario,
3. written approval and confirmed support of supervisor,
4. commitment to invest the required time (approximately 15 days over the course of the year) and registration fee ($750.00 for non-government, $1400.00 for government employees, including Conservation Authorities).
Note that the application process is competitive and meeting the above criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
4. Is there an age limit for participants?
No.
5. How does the application process work?
The application deadline for 2013 is February 15th.
All applicants who meet the above eligibility criteria will be considered for participation in the program by the program leadership team.
Applicants will be contacted by the leadership team in February to confirm the details of their application. Participants will be selected based on their work and educational experience, career aspirations, and goals for participating in the program.
Successful applicants will be confirmed via phone or email in early March, in advance of the first residential retreat beginning the last week of March.
