Lincoln Park Zoo has year-round teen programs. In the fall and spring, teens can enroll in After School Matters at Lincoln Park Zoo, an after-school program designed to help Chicago-area students explore career possibilities. In summer, Lincoln Park Zoo offers the Malott Family Zoo Intern Program (ZIP), a paid internship where students act as ambassadors on zoo grounds. All programs are inclusive, so teens with special needs are encouraged to apply.
After School Matters at Lincoln Park Zoo
Do you enjoy visiting the zoo? Have you ever wondered how zookeepers and veterinarians care for the animals? Do you want to learn more about conservation careers? Every fall and spring Lincoln Park Zoo offers “Zoo World,” a 10-week apprenticeship for 14–18-year-old students in Chicago. Apprentices meet three days a week to explore the zoo and take part in engaging, hands-on activities.
Judy Keller Education Center at Lincoln Park Zoo
February 3 to April 18 2008
Tuesdays 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Thursdays 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Please apply for “Zoo World” at www.afterschoolmatters.org. If you have problems applying through the web site, please contact our Teen Program Coordinator at jaudia@lpzoo.org or 312-742-6690.
Malott Family Zoo Intern Program (ZIP)
The Zoo Intern Program, generously endowed by the Malott Family Foundation, is a six-week summer internship program for underserved high school students ages 16–18. Each spring, 20–25 first-year interns and 5-10 second-year interns are selected from a field of more than 100 applicants. Interns are trained by zoo staff and scientists for eight days and then serve six weeks as paid zoo interpreters.
Since its inception, the program has had more than 300 participants. Students identify conservation and environmental issues and develop interpretive stations on these topics for more than 50,000 summer visitors. Interns also meet animal care staff and researchers and take part in behind-the-scenes tours of several animal buildings. In 2004, the zoo hired a special education teaching assistant to accommodate students with special needs.
In addition to support from the Malott Family Foundation, major grants have also been provided by the American Express Company, the Helen Brach Foundation, the Hearst Foundation Inc., the Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Foundation and UBS Warburg.
For more information about the Zoo Intern Program, contact the Education Department at 312-742-6690.
PDF Documents:
 Zoo Intern Program Application
Zoo Intern Program Application Instructions
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