WHAT IS AVA ACADEMY?
AVA Academy is a new professional development program designed to equip animal advocates with practical, hands-on training to elevate their impact.
Unlike traditional learning approaches, AVA Academy focuses on actionable skills in Organizational Leadership, Fundraising, and Animal Law & Policy—three critical areas for advancing the movement.
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Launching as a pilot program at AVA Summit US 2025, AVA Academy provides immersive, skills-based workshops led by experts in the field. We will have the first full version during AVA India this fall in Delhi!
Participants will gain the knowledge, strategies, and tools necessary to strengthen their organizations, secure funding, and navigate complex legal and policy landscapes.
WHO IS AVA ACADEMY FOR?
AVA Academy is designed for professionals, advocates, and emerging leaders working in animal advocacy.
Whether you’re managing a nonprofit, leading a campaign, fundraising for impact, or working in law and policy, this program will provide essential training to help you level up.
WHERE AND WHEN IS IT?
The AVA Academy pilot will take place at the AVA Summit hotel, the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles, California.
Approved applicants will meet for a full-day AVA Academy program on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
WHY IT MATTERS
The animal advocacy movement is at a pivotal moment, requiring skilled leaders and professionals who can drive real-world change.
AVA Academy bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping participants with tangible skills that can immediately be applied to strengthen their work and expand their impact.
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More details on the application process and deadlines coming soon! Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss your chance to be part of this game-changing opportunity.
HOW TO APPLY
AVA Academy is an application-based program. Due to the interactive nature of the workshops and the specialized focus of each track, participation is limited.
Spots are highly competitive, so we encourage advocates to apply as soon as applications become available.
Applications will be reviewed based on experience, impact potential, and alignment with the goals of AVA Academy.
AVA Academy FAQ
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What is AVA Academy?
AVA Academy is a hands-on, skill-based training program designed for animal advocacy professionals looking to enhance their expertise, develop leadership skills, and drive organizational change. This is our pilot of the Academy program in Los Angeles, with the first full-version taking place later this year in India, just before the AVA Summit Asia.
When and where is AVA Academy taking place?
AVA Academy will be held in person at AVA Summit US 2025 at the venue hotel (LAX Marriott) on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Who can apply?
AVA Academy is open to all AVA Summit ticket holders. Whether you’re an emerging leader, frontline advocate, senior manager, or specialized professional, this program is designed to provide practical, actionable skills to help you advance in your role.
How many spots are available?
Spots are extremely limited, with only 20-25 attendees accepted for this pilot program.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.
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When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
You will receive a notification about your acceptance by April 10, 2025.
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Is AVA Academy right for me?
Due to limited space, applications will be reviewed based on factors such as professional experience, potential for impact, and alignment with the goals of AVA Academy. We anticipate receiving more applications than we can accommodate. If you are not selected, it does not reflect your value to the movement—please apply again for future opportunities.
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Consider applying if:
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You’re an animal advocacy professional looking to develop practical skills beyond theory.
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You want to learn leadership strategies to combat burnout, strengthen teams, and drive organizational growth.
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You seek professional development through interactive, hands-on workshops.
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You value networking and collaboration, and want to connect with like-minded advocates working toward shared goals.
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Is this the first-ever AVA Academy?
Yes! The pilot AVA Academy will take place at AVA Summit US 2025 in Los Angeles on May 18, 2025, making it the first-ever edition of this hands-on, skill-based training program. This inaugural version will offer three specialized tracks—Organizational Leadership, Fundraising, and Animal Law & Policy—designed to equip advocates with practical skills they can immediately apply. As a pilot, this edition will help shape the future of AVA Academy, with a full-scale version launching later in the year in India.
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When and where will the first full-scale AVA Academy take place?
The first full-scale AVA Academy will take place in India in 2025, offering an immersive, hands-on training experience tailored to the region. This expanded version will feature expert-led sessions in Organizational Leadership, Fundraising, and Animal Law & Policy, providing advocates with practical skills to strengthen their impact. More details, including dates, location, and application information, will be announced soon—stay tuned!
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Who can I contact for further questions or assistance with AVA Academy?
​Please email Taylor Waters, our Head of Programs, Taylor@AVASummit.com for all AVA Academy related inquiries.
