Conservation Ambassadors Board at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Conservation Ambassadors Board is a youth leadership program that provides teens in Chicago with the unique opportunity to represent Lincoln Park Zoo and take action for conservation. Each semester, board members deep dive into a chosen topic and design and execute a project. Then, they share their work with peers and the general public. Zoo staff provide guidance and support, but decisions are led by board members, who elect their own leadership structure and determine the details of each project. Board members develop skills related to leadership, research, communication, event planning, promotion, and finance, and gain exposure to zoo careers in the process.

In fall 2024, the Conservation Ambassadors Board designed and facilitated a two-weekend-long program for middle school students centered around the Captive Primate Safety Act. In spring 2025, the Conservation Ambassadors Board will focus on designing public programming for the City Nature Challenge. Participants will receive hourly pay through After School Matters.

For priority consideration for the spring 2025 Conservation Ambassadors Board, please apply by February 5. The application can be accessed starting January 21 by creating an account at the After School Matters website.