2025 Urban Heat Leadership Academy Application

The Urban Heat Leadership Academy (UHLA), offered by The Nature Conservancy, aims to build the capacity of Maricopa County residents to advocate for greener, healthier and cooler communities. Participants will engage on topics related to urban heat, learn why heat is felt differently in urban areas based on lack of shade cover, and how to advocate for change through local political systems. The program is offered in Spanish and English, is free of charge and open to Maricopa County residents. Submit your application before the deadline of May 7th, 2025. Questions? Contact Amy Scoville-Weaver at 

Applicants Should:

• Have an interest in learning about neighborhood improvements, urban heat and advocacy
• Be a resident of Maricopa County
• Be committed to attending all sessions
• Be committed to completing the online, self-paced lessons

Format

The program is offered both virtually and in person with online lessons providing participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace. The self-paced lessons can be accessed through Conservation Training, a free online learning platform.

The online lessons are broken into five modules, which are offered in both English and Spanish. Participants review the material in the modules and complete online lessons on their own time. The Academy meets every other Saturday beginning June 21 to review the content from the previous module and hear from experts on the topics covered in the lessons.

Key Dates

1. March 24 — Application Opens
2. May 7—Application Deadline
3. May 12—Applicants informed of next steps
4. June 7—UHLA Launch