The RISE scholarship program provides internship experiences from business to biology to students from a variety of backgrounds - including students from racial/ethnic groups, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged or are underserved and underrepresented in our industry. The program provides exposure for those interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers.
What is RISE?
R – Respect. By respecting one another’s differences, we can recruit and retain talent from diverse backgrounds and provide a more fulfilling experience for our guests.
I – Include. Promoting inclusion in the workplace promotes a sense of belonging and an enriched employment and thus visitors/patrons experience.
S – Succeed. Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion ensures that everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their true self at work. When employees are engaged, the individual and the organization succeeds.
E – Educate. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging is a continuous journey and lifelong education. Through open conversations, collaboration and experiences, we demonstrate personal and professional growth.
Selection Process
Applications will be submitted to Human Resources and reviewed (scoring rubric) by the Board of Directors DEIAB Committee.
Commitment:
Animal Care:
Commit to working 20 hours a week for 12-16 weeks during the season (See animal care internship policy). These are dedicated positions to receive a $5,000 scholarship per student to offset pay/transportation during their internship.
Non-Animal Care Positions:
Commit to 240 hours worked. These scholarship students will be hired as a regular seasonal, with the employment funds earmarked from a special scholarship fund ($5,000 cap per student.)
Final Paper:
Each intern will commit to writing and submitting a final paper (minimum 2-pages) detailing their personal work experiences, project work, career insights and any suggestions for making the internship a more valuable experience. Paper will be submitted to Human Resources with a copy to their department supervisor.
Scholarship Positions
$5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from underrepresented communities for the following positions. The summer 2023 application deadline is April 15, 2023!