Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Colby Scorese: RISE Scholarship Recipient
What is the RISE Scholarship?
Generously supported by Battelle, the RISE Scholarship Program helps students from all communities gain real-world experience while exploring future careers at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds.
Current, eligible interns may apply for up to $5,000 in scholarship support while building hands-on experience in animal care, conservation, guest services, education, communications, business operations, and other mission-driven fields.
Whether you're looking to grow your resume, expand your skills, or take the next step toward a meaningful career, your journey can start here.
Ready to see this opportunity in action?
Colby tells her story.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds have been a big part of my life since I was a child.
Growing up in Columbus, OH, these trips to visit wildlife were a staple to my childhood. Trips to the Zoo and The Wilds were annual events that fueled my passion for work and advocacy for wildlife. The core memories of school field trips and summer kid programs I participated in were a leading factor in applying as a RISE intern to an organization that meant so much to me growing up.
The RISE Scholarship Program is a paid internship sponsored by Battelle that can range from biology and animal care to business and media. Internships are awarded to students in underserved and underrepresented populations. As a first-generation future college graduate navigating the workforce for the first time without guidance, the RISE Scholarship Program gave me an opportunity that has aided my real-world experiences and helped prepare me for a mission-based career.
Blending my appreciation for animals, ecology, and conservation with my degree is something I didn’t think possible. Majoring in Marketing Communications and Public Relations at Ohio Dominican University has helped me prepare for the media internship at The Wilds.
During my time at The Wilds, my duties focused on blog writing and gaining experience and education from the Zoo's Communications team. I was been able to work hands-on with The Wilds' team, who helped me learn about animals which prepared me for the blogs I was writing. I now have published work on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's website and graduated in December 2023!
My Favorite Memory and Takeaway
Leading up to World Rhino Day, I got to interview and tour with The Wilds’ Director of Animal Management, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Meeting a known “celebrity” of the southern white rhinos, Liam, a baby rhino born just last year, was just as adorable as expected. Rhinos are my favorite animal, so having this opportunity to learn and understand them was amazing. Not only did I get to tour the pastures, but I also got a behind-the-scenes tour of their state-of-the-art rhino barn, where rhinos are kept during the winter and also housed for medical exams. The Wilds have an unwavering commitment to protecting these magnificent creatures, and seeing it first-hand was remarkable.
My Advice
Don’t be afraid!
Going into my media internship, I was worried I didn’t know enough about blog writing and didn’t have enough experience to be confident in the task. I learned now that there was no reason to be nervous because everyone feels that way when starting something new.
The teams at The Wilds and the Communications Team at the Columbus Zoo were amazing when giving advice and guiding me in the right direction."
Empowering People.
Saving Wildlife.
