Connecting Through Education

By Zahraa Aljebori, Curator of Education

The Detroit Zoological Society’s (DZS) education team inspires and prepares the next generation of conservation leaders through a variety of teen programs. Through internships, after-school clubs and volunteering opportunities, teens in metro Detroit explore their interests and develop the skills they need to champion change.

Volunteer Program

Getting connected to the Zoo as a teen is easy through a variety of volunteer programs designed to engage teenagers in meaningful volunteer work while fostering a love for wildlife and conservation. These programs provide teens with hands-on experiences, educational opportunities and the chance to contribute to the Zoo's mission of creating meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. As a Volunteen, teens gain valuable experience working with a professional team to make guests’ experiences memorable and educational. With three different programs to choose from, Zoo Corps, Summer Zoo Corps and Counselor-In-Training, there is an opportunity for all teens to participate in a program that works for them. Visit the teens on grounds all summer long to participate in their ed-zoo-cation stations!

Environmental Teen Alliance

In 2022, the DZS received grant funding from the United Way to provide programming to Oakland County teens in an afterschool setting. The Environmental Teen Alliance (ETA) provides weekly programming to six high schools and has engaged 250 students. Students explore the environmental impacts of pollutants on water quality and air quality in their communities. They learned how to use climate advocacy to positively impact their communities and address the local concerns of climate change. Through the program, students designed and implemented service projects in their schools and neighborhoods. They presented to elementary students the benefits of native plants for bees and other pollinators and created gardening kits to share with their neighbors. At Hazel Park, students hosted a recycled art fair to raise interest and awareness of the impacts of plastic pollution on Michigan’s lakes and rivers.

Conservation Student Internships (CSI)

Driven by an interest in increasing representation in conservation, the DZS received funding from a donor to develop an internship experience for high schoolers. The CSI program is a four-year commitment to metro Detroit youth that focuses on building skills in conservation science and providing teens with the tools and experiences they need to pursue their interests into adulthood. The CSI program enables students to shadow professionals in various conservation fields, building relationships with experts at the Detroit Zoo and in their communities. These experiences are instrumental in preparing students to incorporate their newfound knowledge into designing, implementing and sharing research projects.

Teen Conference Summit

This fall, the DZS is excited to create a space for teens to inspire their peers by sharing their work in an inaugural Teen Conference Summit, a conference designed for teens, by teens. Set to take place on Nov. 9, the summit will bring together young environmental enthusiasts from across the region to engage in interactive workshops, inspiring keynote speeches and collaborative projects focused on conservation and sustainability. The conference will feature hands-on sessions led by young activists and experts, covering topics such as wildlife conservation, climate change mitigation, sustainable practices and advocacy techniques. Talks from renowned young environmental leaders and influencers who have made significant impacts in their communities and beyond. Sessions are designed to connect participants with like-minded peers, mentors and representatives from environmental organizations. The summit is ideal for teenagers who are passionate about the environment, interested in sustainability and eager to make a difference. Whether they are a seasoned activist or just beginning their journey in conservation, this summit will provide teens with valuable experiences and the knowledge to fuel their passion.