Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Turn Your Passion Into Experience
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.
Application Period: May 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Your Path to the RISE Scholarship
Available internship opportunities vary throughout the year, but can include:
- Business Operations
- Conservation Education
- Animal Care
- Conservation Medicine
- Ecology
- Social Media
Let's get started!
Required Commitment
You'll commit to 20 hours a week at the Zoo for 12-16 weeks during the season. Scholarship winners that work in these dedicated intern positions receive a $5,000 scholarship to offset pay and transportation during their internship.
FINAL PAPER
Following the completion of their internship, each student will commit to writing and submitting an essay detailing their personal work experiences, their project work, career insights and any suggestions for making the internship a more valuable experience. This will be submitted to the Zoo's Human Resources team as well as their department supervisor.
Candidate Selection Process
Applications will be submitted to our Human Resources team and reviewed through an established rubric.
What Does RISE Stand For?
Respect. By respecting one another’s differences, we can recruit and retain talent from diverse backgrounds and provide a more fulfilling experience for our guests.
Include. Promoting inclusion in the workplace promotes a sense of belonging and an enriched employment and thus visitors/patrons experience.
Succeed. Ensuring representation and promoting equity and inclusion ensures that everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their true self at work. When employees are engaged, the individual and the organization succeeds.
Educate. Representation, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging is a continuous journey and lifelong education. Through open conversations, collaboration and experiences, we demonstrate personal and professional growth.
Ready to RISE?
Their Journeys Started Here
Hear from former RISE Scholarship recipients as they share how internships at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds helped shape their paths toward careers in zoology, communications, conservation, and other mission-driven fields.
QUESTIONS?
