Want to join the UHLA?
Submit your application!The Urban Heat Leadership Academy (UHLA), offered by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with Unlimited Potential, 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, and will 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.
Applicants Should:
- Have an interest in learning about neighborhood improvements through nature-based solutions, 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
- Be committed to 23 hours of learning from June – October
Program 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. Kickoff and graduation take place in person, while the rest of the program is primarily virtual, with hybrid sessions intentionally designed to help participants build and practice skills to influence change within their communities.
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 starting in June to review the content from the previous module and hear from experts on the topics covered in the lessons.
Benefits of Participation
- Increased knowledge of heat and how to support mitigating heat in your community
- New relationships and connections with other Maricopa County residents, community leaders, NGOs and cities
- Opportunity to engage with the UHLA Community Impact Program, where you can design and implement your own heat mitigation project or extend your education
- Being a part of an established learning community with access to opportunities in the future
| Date | Overview | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 6th | Kickoff | In person |
| June 20th | Module 1: Understanding the System | Zoom |
| June 27th | Module 2: Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities | Zoom |
| July 18th | Module 3: Sustainability Solutions | Zoom |
| August 1st | Module 4: Skills and Tools for Influencing Change – Community Engagement | Zoom |
| August 15th | Module 4: Skills and Tools for Influencing Change – Advocacy | Zoom |
| August 29th | Module 4: Skills and Tools for Influencing Change – Storytelling | Hybrid |
| September 12th | Module 5: Taking Action | Zoom |
| September 26th | Graduation | In person |
Questions? Contact Rebeca Rodriguez at rebeca.rodriguez@tnc.org.
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