Across the world’s most biodiverse landscapes, wildlife faces challenges that are complex, urgent, and deeply rooted in local realities.
Protecting these ecosystems requires more than good intentions. It requires knowledge, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to long-term solutions.
It requires people.
Meet the Future of Conservation
Founded in 2006, Wildlife Conservation Network’s Scholarship Program was designed to nurture emerging conservationists and better equip them to take up the fight for wildlife.
WCN scholars are students from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America who are committed to working on wildlife conservation in their home countries.
They are forward thinkers.
Out-of-the-box problem solvers.
Leaders navigating the labyrinth of conservation challenges with courage, optimism, stamina, and adaptability.
They work within constantly shifting political, cultural, and environmental landscapes — always keeping their focus on protecting endangered wildlife.
Since its founding, the program has achieved meaningful global impact:
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244 scholarships awarded
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53 countries reached
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24 scholarships awarded in 2025
Each scholarship represents an investment not just in education, but in leadership.
What the Scholarship Provides
Awards of up to $25,000 can be used for:
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Tuition and academic fees
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Books and learning materials
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Housing and living expenses
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Fieldwork and research supplies
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Travel to and from permanent home
Beyond funding, scholars receive ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and additional support from WCN — helping them build the professional connections and confidence needed to scale their impact.
Why Investing in People Protects Wildlife
Conservation is most effective when led by individuals rooted in the ecosystems they serve.
Locally based conservationists understand the nuances of their landscapes — from wildlife behavior to community dynamics to policy challenges. When they are equipped with strong academic training and a supportive network, their ability to create lasting change expands exponentially.
The ripple effect of one scholarship can influence an entire region.
By strengthening emerging leaders, WCN strengthens conservation outcomes worldwide.
Bringing Conservation Home with edZOOcation®
Inspired by the leadership supported through WCN Scholarships, our March edZOOcation® Box connects kids to real-world conservation through the story of the African spurred tortoise.
This month’s hands-on activities explore desert survival, ecosystem engineering, and the science of adaptation—while also highlighting how conservation leaders around the world are working to protect wildlife and habitats. Through crafts, STEM projects, global cooking, and storytelling, kids see that conservation isn’t abstract—it’s driven by real people making a difference.
By pairing wildlife science with human impact, we help families understand that protecting animals starts with empowering leaders.
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Conservation Leaders
At edZOOcation®, we believe that today’s curious kids are tomorrow’s conservationists.
By sharing the work of scholarship-supported leaders, we help children see that protecting wildlife is not just a dream — it’s a pathway.
Through education, mentorship, and opportunity, passion becomes expertise.
Expertise becomes leadership.
Leadership becomes protection.
Building a Stronger Future for Wildlife
Since 2006, the WCN Scholarship Program has empowered 244 conservationists across 53 countries — and continues to expand its reach each year.
Investing in emerging leaders ensures that wildlife conservation remains innovative, resilient, and locally driven.
Because protecting wildlife begins with empowering the people who will defend it.
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