Bolster your skills for a new conservation future
Transforming the planet requires many helping hands; an expanded workforce training hub at ASU's Global Future Laboratory offers the tools workers need
Data collection is transforming conservation work, requiring a workforce with new skills. Photo by Dave White/ASU
The idea behind conservation hasn’t changed.
Conservationists do the work to help life thrive on this planet. But the policies and technologies driving this effort are rapidly evolving, requiring more helping hands and a suite of new skills to positively transform complex systems.
How can we help you?
Learners from more than 70 organizations, including Microsoft, NASA and the National Forest Foundation, have taken self-guided courses through the Conservation Futures Academy.
The academy is also working with global nonprofits such as Conservation International to design courses for leaders in a variety of industries.
Visit cfa.asu.edu to see the full list of courses or to explore partnership opportunities.
That’s why the Conservation Futures Academy is debuting an expanded workforce training hub, which will roll out this year over the spring and summer.
What we’re doing: The academy — housed within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University in partnership with ASU Learning Enterprise — works closely with nonprofits and industry leaders to understand which skills are most in demand.
Then the academy develops practical online courses, taught by experts within the School of Conservation Futures, part of the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, and the Global Futures Laboratory.
Among the upskilling options offered in May and June:
- For executives: Explore the growing field of sustainable fashion, or learn how to incorporate conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge into your business strategy.
- For mid-career professionals: Artificial intelligence, drones and geographic information system data are transforming conservation work. These courses can help you incorporate such technologies into your daily routine.
- For early-career professionals: Enroll in a newly offered course in biomimicry, disaster mapping or fundraising, or pursue a certificate in designing and managing conservation projects — crucial skills for those just starting a career in conservation.
- For high school students: Learn how to become a changemaker or interpret environmental data with the academy’s Universal Learning Courses, or take a dual-enrollment course through more than 500 high school and homeschool partners globally.
This article is part of “Futurecast,” a biannual guide to how the Global Futures Laboratory is solving the most pressing water, power, air, heat and food issues.