8-Month Program

Class 25 (2025-2026)

About the 8-Month Program

Our 8-month program creates a robust alumni network comprised of trained individuals who are prepared to effectively address natural resource challenges through conflict management and collaborative leadership. The program is an intensive and high-level professional development program for natural resource professionals from across Florida sectors, regions, and populations.

Over the course of the 8-month program, Fellows participate in eight three-day sessions, each in a different part of the state. Sessions focus on important, timely, and often contentious natural resource issues. Training includes:

• immersion in the issue/topic through first-hand experiences (field visits); 
• engagement with relevant parties from diverse institutions and organizations with emphasis on exposure to a range of perspectives on the issue being studied; and 
• creative, experiential, and practical instruction in skills, concepts, tools, and strategies related to collaborative decision making, conflict management, communication, and negotiation.

To assure that the skills learned in NRLI go beyond the individual sessions, a practicum is built into the program. Fellows develop projects that allow them to apply skills and concepts learned in NRLI to actual conflict, decision making, or leadership situations in their organizations or communities.

How to apply

Applications for the next cohort (Class 26) will open in January 2026. Applicants must submit a completed application form and a resume or CV in order to be considered for the 8-month program. Specific instructions will be available here once applications are open.

8-month class timeline

• Fall – project team & alumni begin to plan session ideas for the next class
• December – final schedule is announced
• January – applications open
• Mid-April – application deadline
• July – registration deadline and fees due
• August – Session 1 for new class!

Fees

Program fees are $5,500 per Fellow. This fee covers:

• All meals (Wed lunch and dinner; Thurs breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Friday breakfast and lunch), snacks, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Wed and Thurs nights’ logding (with a roommate)
• Field trips
• All instructional materials associated with the program
• Graduation banquet

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer some partial scholarships (covering 1/2 of registration fee costs) for 8-month class Fellows as funds allow.

Typical partial scholarships available: