RISE Scholarships: Paving the Way for Future Zoo Leaders

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we understand the importance of diversity… human, animal, or otherwise. And it's that understanding that compels us to create a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our guests and team members.

We encourage our teams to be creative, bold, and innovative in their thinking, to serve as a source of community pride, and to celebrate our institution's position as one of the leading zoos in the country.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s RISE scholarship program, generously provided by Battelle, provides 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.

What does RISE stand for?

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.

Include. Promoting inclusion in the workplace promotes a sense of belonging and an enriched employment and thus visitors/patrons experience.

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.

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.

Internship opportunities are currently available for students interested in the following areas at the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and Zoombezi Bay:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium