The RISE scholarship program provides internship experiences, with focuses from business to biology, for students interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers. Internships are awarded to students within underserved and underrepresented populations - including race/ethnicity, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged.
What Does RISE Stand For?
Respect. By respecting one another’s differences, we can recruit and retain talent from diverse backgrounds and provide a more fulfilling experience for our guests.
Include. Promoting inclusion in the workplace promotes a sense of belonging and an enriched employment and thus visitors/patrons experience.
Succeed. Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion ensures that everyone is welcome and encouraged to be their true self at work. When employees are engaged, the individual and the organization succeeds.
Educate. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging is a continuous journey and lifelong education. Through open conversations, collaboration and experiences, we demonstrate personal and professional growth.
Selection Process
Applications will be submitted to our Human Resources team and reviewed by the Board of Directors DEIAB Committee using a scoring rubric.
Required Commitment
Animal Care POSITIONS
You'll work 20 hours a week at The Wilds for 12-16 weeks during the season. Scholarship winners that work in these dedicated intern positions receive a $5,000 scholarship to offset pay and transportation during their internship.
Non-Animal Care Positions
You'll work 240 hours. These scholarship recipients will be hired as a seasonal employee of The Wilds, with the employment funds earmarked from a special scholarship fund ($5,000 cap per student.)
Final Paper:
Following the completion of their internship, each student will commit to writing and submitting a 2-page essay detailing their personal work experiences, their project work, career insights and any suggestions for making the internship a more valuable experience. This will be submitted to the The Wilds' Human Resources team as well as their department supervisor.
Scholarship Positions
$5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students from underrepresented communities for the following positions. The summer 2023 application deadline is April 15, 2023!