Kids Internships

San Diego Zoo InternQuest


Zoo InternQuest is a program that provides high school students interested 
in pursuing careers in the life sciences (biology, zoology, human or 
veterinary medicine, wildlife management, botany, etc.) with the 
opportunity to learn from Zoo experts. Students in this program will learn 
about such subjects as conservation, pathology, genetics, veterinary medicine, 
animal behavior, reproductive physiology, ecology, and more. They will also 
have the opportunity to visit behind-the-scenes areas at the San Diego Zoo 
and San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, and meet researchers, veterinary staff, 
animal care managers/keepers, and trainers. Though each term is different, 
students will visit a wide variety of people and locations.


Zoo InternQuest participants also receive all the necessary training to create 
Web pages that include journals of their experiences, illustrated with digital 
or scanned photos. They also communicate with Virtual Interns throughout the 
world on the online forum.


The Zoo InternQuest will offer two terms 
for the 2003-2004 school year:

Fall term: September 23 through November 6, 2003
Winter term: February 3 through March 18, 2004

Each Zoo InternQuest term consists of a week of orientation and training before 
meetings with Zoo experts over the rest of the term. Schedules are subject to 
change. A graduation is held at the Zoo at the end of each term. Each student 
who successfully completes the program will receive a copy of their Web site, a 
certificate of completion, and a $100 scholarship.


InternQuest Obligations
The group will meet at the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park three days a week 
(Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) from 2:30 to 5 p.m. over approximately seven 
weeks. Some sessions may require an earlier meeting time. Students are responsible 
for their own transportation to and from the San Diego Zoo.

Wednesdays and Thursdays are spent with Zoo experts, and Tuesdays are dedicated 
to creating the Web pages in the Zoo's Computer Lab. Journals will be written 
either on home computers or in the Zoo's Education Computer Lab on the intern's 
own time. Web pages will be completed in the lab during the Tuesday meeting.

Please note the scheduled dates for each semester. Each intern will be responsible 
for attending all meetings on time.

Interns create online journals about their experiences in the Zoo's Education Computer Lab.

Eligibility
  • Candidates must be in grade 11 or 12 attending San Diego County schools 
    during the InternQuest school year.

  • Students must have a 3.0 (B) grade point average or better.

  • Students must demonstrate a commitment to conservation or the environment.

  • Two letters of recommendation are required: one from a science instructor, 
    and a second from a teacher, career counselor, school administrator, or 
    other adult who can recommend the applicant for this program.

  • Applicants must submit an essay describing an interest in a zoo-related 
    career or field. The essay will be critiqued for writing skills.

Selection
Students interested in Zoo InternQuest must complete the Application Form and 
submit it with all required information and references. Applications for the 
Fall 2003 and Winter 2004 terms will be accepted in April 2003. Selected 
candidates will be interviewed by Zoo staff. Students displaying a sincere 
interest in science and/or education careers and demonstrating good writing 
skills will be the strongest candidates for final selection. Applications may 
reopen in the fall for any remaining openings in the winter or spring terms. 
Watch the Web site for details. 

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