The variety of life on Earth is stunning. Creatures abound in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colors, and methods for survival. Many of these survival methods, however, don't work in the face of pressures like pollution and disappearing habitats. Some species are losing their fight against extinction.
Fortunately, the variety of enthusiastic students who are willing to spend their careers working to save animals from extinction is equally stunning. Thanks to a new program of the Chicago Zoological Society (which manages Brookfield Zoo), many of those students who once thought such a career was improbable due to financial concerns can now think again.
We recently initiated this program--called the College Experiential Learning Opportunities (C.E.L.O.) program--to increase the diversity of the students whom we are training in conservation methods and principles.
For a long time, we have offered college internships in areas throughout the zoo, from grounds maintenance and animal care to educational programming. However, the students pursuing these internships were unpaid. Some of the new C.E.L.O. internships--as well as new work-study experiences for students from learning or technical institutions--are now paid positions. And where these positions are unpaid, students can apply for monetary awards provided by the federal grant we received through the government's Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The arrangement is mutually beneficial. The students develop leadership skills, generate confidence in their abilities, and expand their professional horizons through scientific exploration.
To our benefit, we can attract students from all socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately diversifying our work force. In fact, we are actively recruiting students from racially diverse but underrepresented colleges and universities.
Moreover, we recognize that we must view our conservation mission through different perspectives for it to be even more successful. The students in the C.E.L.O. program find common ground around their bond with nature and passion for conservation while bringing their own unique backgrounds and abilities to the mix.
We are pleased with this new phase in the evolution of our educational programming. Others are pleased, too: our program is ranked in the "The Best 109 Internships" by the Princeton Review.