CoalitionWILD EXCELerator is an intensive 6 month leadership and capacity building training that equips emerging environmental leaders with the skills necessary to carry out action projects for the planet.
EXCELerator Alumni implementing solutions globally
Human beneficiaries of all projects being implemented by EXLs
How It Works
The CoalitionWILD EXCELerator is a rigorous 6 month leadership development program. Each participant is accepted based on their individually proposed idea of an environmental project they want to implement that will tackle an issue facing an ecosystem, their community, their culture, or their livelihood.
CoalitionWILD equips EXCELerator participants (EXLs) with the tools, support, and confidence needed to implement that idea. In doing that, we focus on the 3 Ps: Project Development, Personal Growth, and Professional Network.
Project Development helps EXLs to further structure their module in terms of devising a work plan, time schedule, budget plan, etc., which form the basis for a successful implementation. It also allows them to anticipate potential challenges to the project and to troubleshoot with their cohort – many of whom face similar hurdles.
Personal Growth focuses on the improvement of EXL knowledge and skills in communication, fundraising, management techniques, and methodologies by giving them access to our resources and offering webinars with expert guest speakers. We work to build EXL confidence, not just to present their project, but as a community leader. We also focus on developing self-care practices, create a space to become comfortable looking inward, and encourage EXLs to identify their internal ‘why.’
The Professional Network is all about giving EXLs a platform for exchanging ideas, finding opportunities for advancement, and supporting their peers. We partner each EXL with a young professional for mentoring throughout the program. EXLs may also gain first-time experience speaking and presenting at conferences or a feature in international publications. The amount of professional expansion an EXL experiences is often dependent on how engaged they are in the program.
Participants are supported in successfully starting and/or continuing their project, however a full implementation of their project is not a requirement.
We don’t just build young leaders for one project, in one community, one time. We aim to build leaders for the planet for a lifetime.


New In 2021!
Upon completion of the 6 month EXCELerator, participants will be given the option to continue into the EXL_Intensive. EXL_I is a 2 month extension for qualified participants to dive more deeply into their projects and their personal and professional growth. Criteria to join the EXL_I will be shared during the course. As a part of the EXL_I, you will receive:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Small group setting
- Personalized/tailored feedback specific to individual’s project
- Designed social media graphics
- Blog written about each EXL Intensive Participant
- Wraps with a CoalitionWILD-hosted online event showcasing your project
Project Development
→ Draft a Work Plan and Timeline for project implementation
→ Devise a Budget and Fundraising Plan
→ Craft a Contingency Plan, anticipating potential risks and identifying solutions
→ Make an assessment of Next Steps to continue/and or grow your project
→ Develop an Elevator Pitch to convince others of the value of your project in a concise and brief manner
Personal Growth
→ Benefit from access to resources and methods, such as management and analytical techniques
→ Gain more experience in communicating your project via a blog/press release, in interviews, to a camera, in social media, and via photos/videos
→ Increase your fundraising skills and gain access to funding opportunities
→ Become more confident as a leader for your communities and for the planet
Professional Network
→ Gain access to a global network, including opportunities to speak, present, attend global conferences, apply for fellowships or funding, or be highlighted in international publications
→ Get connected to an experienced mentor matched to your field of work, who will support you with advice throughout the program
→ Boost your credentials through the backing of a credible global organization




Possible Activities
Ultimately it depends on YOU in what way you would like to benefit from the EXCELerator program. We offer you the space to discover your own solutions, thereby ensuring that you are driven by:
Innovation in your ideas
Commitment to your work
Empathy in engaging with stakeholders
Creativity in the implementation
Passion in your delivery
ALUMNI PROJECTS SPOTLIGHT
Our 5 Year Impact
Since 2017, 108 CoalitionWILD EXCELerator participants (EXLs) have completed the program, implementing new action projects in 49 countries.
Each project is unique to the circumstances, area, and interest of the project leader. This make the outcome more impactful, more relevant, and more meaningful to all those involved.
Even after the EXCELerator is completed, EXLs often continue their projects and grow their reach. They influence their communities, get involved in decision making, reach personal and professional milestones, and become leaders for the planet.
People Directly Engaged in Programming
Environmental Workshops Hosted
Trees Planted
Bags of Trash Collected
Volunteers Engaged
Species Recorded, Observed, Or Samples Collected