Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program

Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program

Mondays–Fridays

June 22–August 7

Orientation: Saturday, June 6, 12–3 p.m.

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 learn 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 is designed as an introductory research experience. The program provides participants with the support to fully integrate the research experience into their own unique academic goals, career plans, and areas of personal strength.

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 2026.
  • Be 16–18 years old by June 7, 2026.
  • 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 6, 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 2–3.

Info Session

If you are planning to apply and have questions about how to submit a high-quality application, drop by a virtua information session on Zoom to chat directly with Teen Programs staff:

  • Thursday, February 26, 5–6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 5, 5–6:30 p.m.

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

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 Nature Boardwalk, and analyzing the relationship between litter size and first-year mortality in the Geoffrey’s marmoset.

What if I’ve never participated in research before?

The Research Apprenticeship Program is designed to be an introductory research experience. No prior research experience is required, and teens without previous research experience may benefit the most from the program.

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.



Questions?

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

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