Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Conservation can be supported at any age, which is why The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts the Teen Eco Summit program for the next generation of leaders!
| 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Africa Event Center |
Represent YOUR High School!
The Teen Eco Summit (TES) is held in November at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and will host over 300 students as they prepare Conservation Action Plans for their schools and communities. Global experts will talk about conservation, sustainability, and leadership, and students will work with peers from around Ohio to brainstorm potential solutions to real world conservation problems.
This program continues throughout the year with participants connecting with community partners to learn vital skills that will help their projects. Participants also have the opportunity to apply for grant funding. The Summit concludes in the spring with a celebration event during which they share their projects with their peers and community partners, providing the opportunity to learn from others and plan for the future.
Download the Teen Eco Summit Flyer
Teen Eco Summit was nationally-recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their outstanding commitment to education!
What is the Teen Eco Summit?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Teen Eco Summit is a free, student-driven program where teams create Conservation Action Plans to help create sustainability and conservation-based change within their schools and communities.
Who can participate?
Teams are composed of four to seven high school students and one advisor.
- One team member is designated "Team Captain" and is in charge of a majority of the communication with the Zoo.
- Advisors can be any faculty member of the school and not necessarily a science teacher.
Is there a cost to participate?
The Teen Eco Summit is free to participate in.
When is the Teen Eco Summit?
The kickoff event will take place on both November 6 or 7 (teams choose their date). Teams will arrive at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start time. The event will conclude at 4 p.m.
- After the kickoff event, teams will create a Conservation Action Plan for their school.
- At the end of April, teams will attend a Celebration Event to share their projects with their peers.
We are accepting applications for this year's event until October 1, 2024.
Where is the Teen Eco Summit?
The Teen Eco Summit kicks off at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
- However, your team's project will be centered at your school or within your community.
- There may be virtual webinars and meetings as part of TES.
Do you have examples of a Conservation Action Plan?
The possibilities are endless! Here are some examples.
- Organizing clothing swaps
- Starting an "Eco Month" with different focuses each week
- Pair with their school building, district, or even community partners to start a recycling program
- Changing stadium lighting to LED bulbs
- Starting a pollinator garden at your school or in your community
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted between August 1 - October 1, 2024.
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Teams should apply as soon as possible to secure a spot, as space is limited. The Zoo will notify your team of its status by October 6.
For questions and more information, email teenecosummit@columbuszoo.org.
1. Create your team.
- Teams must consist of 4-7 students, one of whom will be the Team Captain that communicates with the Zoo.
- A faculty member in your school district needs to be present as a team advisor.
- We will only be accepting two (2) teams per school.
- If your school is bringing more than one team, each team will need to work on separate projects and submit separate applications. Projects can be complementary of each other but have separate action plans.
- While a max of seven students can attend the Summit on the team, more students are able to work on projects once back in their community.
2. Identify conservation/sustainability projects for your school or community.
What is your team passionate about?
- Find projects that your team members care about and make a list of potential projects.
- Decide on your team's highest priority.
- Write a description of how it will help your school or community become more environmentally-friendly.
3. Use the application below to join us.
We look forward to working with each team to create an environmentally-friendly future!
