The Annual Summit of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) is the premier professional development opportunity for leaders of nature centers, outdoor schools, and related organizations. With a focus on leadership and management practices for our unique profession, the Summit provides participants with a wealth of knowledge, strategies, and resources to help them excel in their work.

Join us for the 2024 Summit, September 9-13 at Lichterman Nature Center, part of the Museum of Science & History (MoSH) in Memphis, Tennessee. Whether you're just starting out in the field or you're a seasoned professional, don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, grow, and network with professional peers.

ANCA is offering two scholarship opportunities for the 2024 ANCA Annual Summit, September 9-13 at MoSH-Lichterman Nature Center (LNC) in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Summit is the premier professional development opportunity for leaders of nature centers and related organizations. If you’re part of this unique profession, there is no better space for your professional growth — the Summit is a supportive environment where you can learn in-depth about organizational management and operations.

Scholarship opportunities include:

• Community Scholarships are awarded to senior management staff who demonstrate the greatest need and potential impact the Summit will have on their position; these scholarships provide up to $600. Community Scholarships are competitive, and priority is given to applicants with small budgets and first-time attendees. This scholarship is not available to applicants who have received two or more scholarships in the past.
• Equity Scholarships cover $1000 of Summit registration and travel for attendees who identify as part of or work with underrepresented groups (e.g., urban centers, rural centers, BIPOC, disabled, LGBTQIA+ members). This scholarship is for participants attending an in-person Summit for the first time.

The scholarship application deadline is June 26.

Full Summit registration is $650, not including lodging. Summit participants receive a special rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis, less than four miles from Lichterman Nature Center, for $139 per night. Staying at DoubleTree by Hilton includes daily shuttle service to and from LNC, as well as a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.

Located in the heart of Memphis, Lichterman Nature Center offers a unique urban setting for this week of professional development and networking. With Lichterman's 65 acres of lake, meadow, and forest, Summit participants will be able to simultaneously experience the region's natural beauty and the city's lively amenities — all while connecting with peers in a welcoming setting.

Learn more here.