NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos and b-roll of the students working onsite at the Zoo can be found here. Photo credits are contained in the file names (example: Emma Dixon, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). Video credit can be provided to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to announce a new partnership with Columbus City Schools (CCS) to provide hands-on experience for students at Fort Hayes Career Center through the Columbus Zoo Career Pathways Program. This initiative, generously funded by Battelle, marks the first step in expanding work-based learning opportunities for CCS students, offering them valuable real-world experience in skilled trades while exploring the diverse career opportunities available at the Zoo.

Beginning the week of January 27 and running through March 10, seven Fort Hayes students will gain firsthand experience working alongside experts in the Zoo’s maintenance and landscape teams. Participants will take on roles in carpentry, HVAC, electrical work, and landscaping, working in a professional setting that fosters skill development, career exploration, and a deeper understanding of how every role at the Zoo contributes to supporting wildlife conservation. Students will be on-site on a rotating week-on, week-off schedule, with an option to extend the internship through the remainder of the school year.

"At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we believe in inspiring future generations—not only to care about wildlife and conservation but also to explore career paths they may not have considered before. Through this new partnership with Columbus City Schools, we are excited to provide students with immersive experiences that highlight the many ways their skills can contribute to the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.," said Eli de Nijs, Schools Educator for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

As part of a growing initiative to connect students with meaningful career pathways, this program is one of several workforce development collaborations between the Columbus Zoo and Columbus City Schools. Through the Columbus City Schools Teaching Academy, CCS students interested in education careers have worked with Zoo educators to develop and lead field trip activity stations, gaining hands-on experience in environmental education. Additionally, CCS students regularly participate in the Zoo’s broader career programming, including:

• Teen Eco Summit, presented by Battelle – An immersive, student-led experience where teens collaborate with conservation professionals, develop action plans, and tackle real-world environmental challenges.
• Oceans and You, supported by the Schumacher Foundation – A hands-on field study where students explore marine conservation and marine science careers, gain insight into ocean ecosystems, and engage in discussions on human impact and sustainability.

“Columbus City Schools is thrilled about the opportunity for our Fort Hayes Career Center students to engage in paid work-based learning at the Columbus Zoo. This partnership allows our students to gain invaluable experience in roles such as carpentry, electrical maintenance, HVAC, landscaping and horticulture, and plumbing. These hands-on opportunities not only enhance their resumes but also prepare them for successful careers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Becky Nellis, Eli deNijs, and the entire Columbus Zoo staff for making this incredible opportunity possible.,” said Jenny Meade Director of Career-Technical Education.

With the success of this pilot program, the Columbus Zoo looks forward to expanding work-based learning opportunities into additional departments, creating even more pathways for students to develop skills that will serve them in future careers.

For more information about the Columbus Zoo’s educational programs, conservation initiatives, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org. 

Stay up to date on what’s happening at Columbus City Schools by following CCS social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Visit our website at ccsoh.us. 

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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 

Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.

About Columbus City Schools

The Columbus City Schools District does not discriminate based upon sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ancestry, familial status or military status with regard to admission, access, treatment or employment. This policy is applicable in all district programs and activities.