Environmental Leadership Initiative
Benefits of Participation
The Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF) Initiative will help WPI students (LEAF Fellows) grow into confident, environmentally literate leaders using a personalized, experiential, and action-oriented approach.
The LEAF Initiative will empower students, foster their environmental identity and provide them with tools and platforms to showcase their environmental literacy and leadership.
In addition to the seminar components, you will:
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Earn an Environmental Leadership certificate from WPI's Office of Sustainability.
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Gain access to experts and professional mentors
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Build a community with like-minded students
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Have an opportunity to share your work via publication and/or conference presentation
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Learn to share your voice by publishing an OpEd and/or individual climate story
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Explore technical licenses/certifications (e.g. LEED, environmental associate, GIS, drinking water operator I)
Why become a LEAF Fellow?
Individualized Approach
LEAF Fellows will chart and iterate their own environmental leadership path through creation of an Individualized Environmental Leadership Plan (IELP).
Environmental Leadership Certificate from WPI's Sustainability Office
LEAF Fellows who complete the three-term program will earn a certificate in Environmental Leadership from WPI's Office of Sustainability.
Professional Mentorship
Fellows will be connected with mentors working in a variety of fields, from STEM research and policy to community action and sustainability. These experts will mentor Fellows as they explore and cultivate their professional path.
Additional Credentials
With support from LEAF Program Co-directors, Fellows can seek additional credentials through their IELP.
Examples include:
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National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Eco Leader Certification.
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NWF virtual campaign badges in Environmental Justice, Pollinators, and Plastics Reduction.
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National Registry of Environmental Professionals Associate Environmental Professional Certification....and more.
Share Your Work
Fellows may share their work and accomplishments through publications, virtual stories, OpEds, and conference presentations.
Networking
Fellows will have the opportunity to network with sustainability professions. Fellows will also be exposed to a variety of careers in sustainability fields from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors. Check out the 2025/26 LEAF Fellows Hands-on Learning for some examples.
Enhanced Connection to Nature
Throughout the three-terms, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in immersive experiences. These experiences may include:
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Toxic Tour of the Roxbury area of Boston
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Medicinal and food identification and foraging with Turn Back Time Farm
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Mindful hiking: Mt Watatic, Mt. Wachusett
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Great Backyard Bird Count (and other community/civic science opportunities)
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End of year nature and leadership retreat
Course Credit toward
Minor in Sustainability Engineering
Participation in the Environmental Leadership Course counts as 'planning and policy' course credit toward the minor in Sustainability Engineering.