Emerging Leaders Program
WhAT IS the Emerging Leaders PrograM?
The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a 14-week program is designed to create systemic change in the outdoor industry by creating entry points for underrepresented communities that have historically had inequitable access to the outdoors, including BIPOC individuals and other shared identities. Throughout the curriculum, cohort members will build their resumes and network with career professionals in their areas of interest.
Why did WTA create the Emerging Leaders Program?
WTA is committed to creating systemic change by increasing entry points to the outdoor industry for communities that have had inequitable access to the outdoors, including BIPOC individuals. WTA hopes that by investing in paid development opportunities for future leaders in the outdoor industry, those leaders can build upon professional and personal aspirations while contributing to an outdoor community where people of all identities feel included and valued.
Goals and impacts of the the Emerging Leaders Program
The program has seen tremendous support from BIPOC community partners and individuals who collectively share their personal journeys into the outdoor industry with the cohort. As we move forward into our fourth iteration of the program, we have seen alumni of this cohort move into various outdoor roles and continue being present within our community, inspiring the next cohort through their personal storytelling, knowledge and shared experience.
Over the course of the 14-week program, cohort members will gain hands-on experience:
Trail Maintenance Technical & Leadership Skills
- Complete trail work projects while practicing inclusive and team leadership skills at work sites across the Puget Sound region
- Projects consist of both single-day, frontcountry events, and multi-day trips where the cohort will embark on overnight camping trips together
- Practice and increase knowledge of the importance of safety in outdoor recreation. Learning and executing WTA's risk management protocols
- Develop group management skills on the job through rotating leadership assignments
- BIPOC led crosscut training and Sawyer A bucking certification
Professional Development
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
- Outdoor leadership skill development (snowshoeing, backpacking, and trip planning)
- Resume development and career exploration within the outdoor industry, nonprofit sector and Washington State Parks
- Independent project worked on individually throughout the 14-weeks that further expands on career interests
- Cross-collaboration with other WTA departments (advocacy, communications, development and community outreach)
- Continuous engagement with a variety of career paths in the outdoor industry
- Networking and engaging with community organizations and land manager agency partners
How to join the Emerging Leaders Program
Applications are now closed for 2025 cohort.
Stories From the Field
WTA's Emerging Leaders Program celebrates a successful fifth season
"Overall, the past 5 years of the program show a huge testament to investing in early professionals, and there is so much to teach about the outdoors: trail work, backpacking, snowshoeing and more."
Checking in with Emerging Leader Alums
Past participants of WTA's Emerging Leaders Program chat about what they're up to now and how their time in the program has helped inform their careers so far.
Intentional spaces
WTA’s Emerging Leaders find professional connections in the outdoor community. By Angelic Friday
Introducing WTA’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Program cohort
We’ve spent January welcoming our 2025 Emerging Leaders Program cohort to WTA, and we’re excited to introduce them!