Talented, passionate local conservation leaders are critical for the durable conservation of wildlife and wild places around the world. To address the need for them, WCS launched the Graduate Scholarship Program in 1996 to provide financial support for the highest quality, graduate-level academic training to promising conservationists.  

Over its nearly 30 years, the program has awarded 163 scholarships to conservationists from 42 different countries to pursue advanced degrees. With those skills, recipients are able return home and make a significant impact on their countries.

They now lead conservation efforts in governments, universities, local organizations, and WCS itself—building lasting conservation capacity from within and delivering tangible conservation results on the ground.

Reporting: Dan Rosen

Guests: Denise Garcia, Richard Malonga, Peter Umunay