SCIENCE SCHOLARS LEARNING TO CONSERVE THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.
The Chicago Zoological Society's King Conservation Science Scholars program for diverse high school students develops scientifically literate, college-ready and career-ready teens prepared to resolve major environmental and technological issues of the future. As part of their experience, King Scholars have opportunities to work with Brookfield Zoo professionals on exclusive research projects available nowhere else in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Through this program, participants take science-based courses on subjects such as water quality and animal behavior observations. They also attend lectures, meet in small groups and take part in workshops on relevant environmental issues. Scholars also have the opportunity to meet with academics, animal welfare researchers and a variety of other professionals from the Chicago Zoological Society.
Additionally, students can participate in long-term career development activities to build college and career readiness, particularly in science-related areas. In 2017, nearly 400 King Scholars attended a three-day Teen Conservation Leadership Conference at the Illinois Institute of Technology, which included presentations from conservation professionals based in the Chicago area. The conference ended with the students visiting the Brookfield Zoo for tours, a workshop and animal encounters, which were led by the King Scholars.
Astellas USA Foundation is excited to continue its 3-year partnership to help fund the Chicago Zoological Society's “King Conservation Science Scholars Program.” This program affords 250+ Chicago-area high school students the opportunity to become the next generation of scientifically literate, college-ready and career-ready students. To expand its impact with this program, Astellas USA Foundation also invites Astellas employees to volunteer with the organization as part of the Science WoRxTM Mentors program. The mentors share information with the participants as science judges at the CSZ science fair and encourage careers in science.
