At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we understand the importance of diversity… human, animal, or otherwise. And it's an understanding that compels us to create a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our guests and team members.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s RISE scholarship program, generously provided by Battelle, offers internship experiences, with focuses from business to biology, for students interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers. Internships are awarded to students within underserved and underrepresented populations - including race/ethnicity, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged.
Ready to see this opportunity in action?
Meet Amanda.
It started out like any other social media scroll session, but then, Amanda Hawk noticed something that caught her eye…the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was offering a paid internship opportunity called RISE.
Amanda had always wanted to work in animal care, but also needed income. Unpaid internships were not going to pay the bills, even if they would allow her to gain immeasurable experience. To edge closer to her dream, she had already been working seasonally for three years in grounds maintenance for the Zoo and said, “I knew that full-time zookeeper positions were hard to find, so I wanted to get my foot in the door anyway I could, so that’s where I started and remained until being awarded the RISE paid internship!”
Amanda’s employment shifted from grounds maintenance to becoming an intern in the Zoo’s Asia Quest region. “I took care of birds in the aviary, made meals for animals that followed their customized nutrition plan, cleaned habitats, and assisted zookeepers with daily tasks,” she said. “With Asia Quest being so diverse in species, I was able to gain experience being around many types of animals…including primates, big cats, small bats, red pandas, and more!”
Now equipped with invaluable experience and great connections in the Zoology world, Amanda is moving forward in her career journey and pursuing her dream of working with animals. She will graduate with a degree in Zoology in May.
“My advice? Apply for the scholarship,” said Amanda. “The process is simple, and the scholarship is really helpful for students who want invaluable animal care experience while still being financially supported.”
