What is the Early Career Leadership Academy?
ECLA 2023 in Phoenix, AZ. Participants, planning committee, and UNEION (UCAR|NCAR Equity and Inclusion) facilitators
The American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Early Career Leadership Academy (ECLA) aims to build and sustain a diverse network of early career leaders in weather, water, and climate science. Each year, ECLA brings together a group of early career individuals for an immersion experience in developing leadership skills, such as creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, building trust, and enhancing communication skills. We seek early career individuals from a wide range of professions, interests, perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Women and underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
AMS defines early career scientists as follows:
Early career is nominally taken to include scientists who are within 10 years of having earned their highest graduate degree or within 15 years of having earned their baccalaureate, whichever is greater. Consideration will also be given, however, to those who are still in the early stage of their careers but have seen a career break for up to 5–10 years because of family leaves, military service, and the like.
Each year, the AMS selects a small group of early career professionals to participate in the Academy. All eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Qualify as “early career” as defined by the AMS,
- Work in the weather, water, or climate science enterprise, including education and policy.
- You do not need to be an AMS member to apply.
What Should the Participants Expect?
ECLA is an invigorating professional development experience built around emerging trends in weather, water, and climate science enterprise that will shape the future of professions. Topics that will be covered include workplace issues, crisis management, building trust, conflict resolution, communication, key societal trends, and creating psychological safety on your team. Participants will take leadership assessments to identify their unique strengths and construct their own personal leadership style.
Participants will develop new analytical lenses, systems thinking skills, and skills to deal with differences and diversity when making decisions that affect weather, water, and climate.
After graduation, participants will
- benefit from expanded knowledge,
- enjoy a high-quality network of peers and mentors, and
- clarify how they and their organizations will drive change.
Timeline of ECLA 2025
The 2025 ECLA Program and Timeline will be updated soon. ELCA 2025 will be held in Boston at the AMS Headquarters.
If you have any questions about the Early Career Leadership Academy, please contact Erica Grow Cei (Professional Affairs Commissioner), Alex Morrison (Planning Committee Chair), Travis Washington (Outgoing Chair), or Liz Baugher (Incoming Chair).
If you have any questions about the Early Career Leadership Academy, please contact Mike Augustyniak, Travis Washington, Elyse Smith, or Alex Morrison.