LEarn More & Apply

Applications are open for the Leadership Academy!

During this eight-week program in sustainable food systems leadership, you'll be surrounded by like-minded, high-achieving peers who share your passion for making a real-world impact. You’ll learn about the challenges inherent in industrial animal agriculture, develop the critical competencies to advance systems-level change, and build meaningful connections with other leaders in the movement to end factory farming.

The Leadership Academy is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Would you like to learn more about the program before you apply? Register for one our upcoming info sessions:

  • Wednesday, May 8 at 12p ET / 9a PT - Register
  • Monday, May 20 at 7p ET / 4p PT - Register
  • Thursday, May 30 at 7p ET / 4p PT - Register

You'll learn from thought leaders in each subject area, including:

Policy & Law

Learn how civic engagement and the legislative process can be leveraged to create a more just and sustainable food system.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Explore how technology and business can come together to build momentum to support the end of factory farming.

Organizing &
Campaigning

Hear firsthand how students like you are building a people-powered plant-based global movement — and how you can bring this movement to your campus and community.

Health & Well-Being

Understand the harms factory farming inflicts upon human and ecological well-being, and how to foster flourishing communities.

Media Arts & Journalism

Discover the power of storytelling to influence public opinion and create real-world impact.

Program Schedule

Three days per week, you'll have four hours of comprehensive programming, consisting of:

Leadership Lab

Strengthen your leadership identity and develop critical competencies for making a meaningful impact.

Interactive Lecture

Deepen your understanding of the problems and existing efforts to address them through conversation with thought leaders and subject matter experts.

Community Hour

Awaken your curiosity and explore new interests and insights as we come together to share what inspires and motivates us.

Guided Discussion

Broaden your perspective and cultivate systems thinking as you begin to draw connections through dialogue with your peers.

Learning Journey

FAQs

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When is the application deadline?
How much does the program cost?
Is there financial aid available?
Can I receive internship credit, course credit, or independent study credit for the Leadership Academy?
What if I can’t make all of the required meetings?
What’s the total time commitment?
I have more questions, who should I reach out to?
What is the application process for the Leadership Academy?

Teaching Team

Program Leads

Facilitators

Hear from program alumni

“New Roots Institute [is] where I discovered that it's not just climate, but the well-being of all species that truly matters... I'm excited to express my dedication and share my research [at] the Climate Justice and Health Lab at NYU.” - Pooja Sharma, Leadership Academy, Summer 2023
“I came to New Roots very unsure of my potential for advocacy, but your encouragement through the program helped me see how I can merge positive change and animal rights with my career goals, and that the work doesn't have to end with New Roots!“ - Bethel Mengisto, Leadership Academy, Summer 2023

Student Successes

Plant-Based Defaults

In the last two years, our students had successful plant-based default campaigns at Cornell University, the Issaquah School District in Seattle, Pomona College, and San Diego State University.

Campus Coalitions

One of our fellows organized a broad-based coalition at New York University to lock in the plant-based commitments secured by former New Roots Institute students on campus.

Vegfests

In the last year, our fellows organized very successful veg fest events at the University of California Los Angeles and Pomona College. These events were attended by over 1100 people!

Schools with Current Students

Our Alumni Have Gone On To Work For