Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program

Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program

Mondays–Fridays

June 23–August 8

Orientation: Saturday, June 7 from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

APPLY HERE

Overview

The Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program is a seven-week paid program that provides high school students in Chicago with the opportunity to conduct meaningful scientific research alongside Lincoln Park Zoo researchers. Apprentices are matched with mentors from one of the zoo’s five science centers and receive support to carry out an original research project in pursuit of an assigned question.

Apprentices gain experience with methods in field-based and computational conservation research, explore career pathways in the natural sciences, and develop their analytical and scientific communication skills. The summer culminates in a poster session in which apprentices present their research to friends, family, and the Lincoln Park Zoo community. RAP provides participants with the support to fully integrate the research experience into their own unique academic goals, career plans, and areas of personal strength.

The application for summer 2025 opens Saturday, February 1, and closes Monday, March 10. No applications will be accepted after the March 10 deadline.

More Information

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago.
  • Be entering grades 11–12 or their freshman year of college in fall 2025.
  • Be 16–18 years old by June 7, 2025.
  • Be legally allowed to work in the United States.
  • Have proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S., in accordance with federal law.

Absences

Apprentices must be available for orientation on Saturday, June 7, and all days of training. Planned absences that do not occur during training and which have been discussed with a supervisor are possible. However, long absences (such as a week-long family vacation) may disqualify a candidate from the program, as an apprentice would miss too many lessons and activities.

The program does not run July 3–4.

Want To Learn More?

  • If you plan on applying to any of the summer opportunities at Lincoln Park Zoo and are interested in learning more about how to submit a high-quality application, we plan to hold several virtual help sessions based on demand. Please email zooteens@lpzoo.org and place “Teen Programs” in the subject line to express interest.
  • Are you planning to apply to one of our summer teen programs? Do you have questions about how to submit a high-quality application? Drop by one of our virtual application information sessions on Zoom to chat directly with Teen Programs staff:
    • Thursday, February 27, 5–6:30 p.m.
    • Thursday, March 6, 5–6:30 p.m.

    RSVP in advance to receive the Zoom link and password. Click here to RSVP.

FAQs

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Will I work with animals?

No. Apprentices do not work directly with animals. However, projects will directly relate to animals and may involve activities such as observing animals in their natural and/or zoo habitats. Apprentices may also experience special opportunities, like behind-the-scenes tours and presentations from zoo professionals, to learn more about zoo career paths.

What kinds of research projects can I expect to be working on over the summer?

Recent apprentices have worked with zoo researchers in the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute and the Population Management Center. Examples of past projects have included studying the impacts of roads and waterways on bat activity, mapping the biodiversity of the Nature Boardwalk, and analyzing the relationship between litter size and first-year mortality in the Geoffrey’s Marmoset.

Will there be an interview?

Strong applicants will be invited to the zoo in March for a half-day group interview during which you will see animals, meet zoo staff, network with fellow applicants, and tell us why you’re excited about this position. More details will be shared upon invitation for an interview.

Can I apply for multiple programs?

Yes! Applicants can apply to every program simultaneously. Please note: Eligibility requirements vary between programs.

How will I know if I’ve been accepted?

We will contact all applicants via email by Friday, March 29, whether or not they have been selected for an interview.

Do I need to know a lot about animals beforehand?

No! Training is provided at the beginning of the program to introduce apprentices to the zoo and zoo animals.

What do I need to participate?

Because the Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program is an in-person program, participants will need a reliable way to reach the zoo each day.

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all zoo staff and volunteers, including teen interns. If you are selected for the program, proof of vaccination must be provided in order to participate.

Questions?

To learn more about the Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program, please email zooteens@lpzoo.org.

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