Zoo New England is pleased to announce that the ZooTeen program has received a $50,000 Impact Grant from the Yahoo Employee Foundation.

This generous gift, supported by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, will be used to further Zoo New England’s proven success in supporting and empowering local youth, hands-on learning through STEM educational activities, supplementing in-school curriculum, and preparation for future careers and employment.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Yahoo Employee Foundation for this generous gift, and for recognizing the tremendous impact of this program,” said Cynthia Mead, Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Programming. “We are committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of conservation stewards and this gift enables us to continue with this work. Through the ZooTeen program, we are able to offer meaningful experiences that can have a positive, lasting impact on these young people.”

Since its inception in 1999, the program has provided broader educational and career opportunities to more than 1,400 Boston teens. ZooTeens have the opportunity to receive direct exposure to zoo and conservation-oriented careers in a safe, structured and professional learning environment. Personal academic and professional development classes and service projects are incorporated into the design of the program, which attracts a diverse group of participants from the neighborhoods surrounding Franklin Park Zoo.

The 2015 ZooTeens began working at the Zoo earlier this month. The teens work in a variety of departments including animal care, horticulture, guest services, education and marketing. Through the ZooTeen program, youth increase their mentoring abilities through work with other youth from Boston and beyond. Participants also develop a greater understanding of environmental issues and can become stronger stewards of the environment through learning about pro-environmental behaviors.

Learn more about the ZooTeen Program and available opportunities.