Wheeling Park Commission (Oglebay Good Zoo)

The Oglebay Good Zoo, part of the Wheeling Park Commission, will develop a paid experiential workforce development program to remove affordability barriers for future zoo professionals seeking applied work experience. The zoo will partner with West Liberty University to conduct three annual virtual workshops introducing academic, career, and financial aid opportunities to regional high school guidance counselors and their students. The project will also create application guidelines and curricula to support paid stipends annually for six undergraduate students to intern at zoos across the country, five undergraduate students to participate in animal husbandry or conservation fellowships, and four post-graduate apprenticeships at the Oglebay Good Zoo. As a result of the project, students will gain the work experience necessary for obtaining entry-level positions in the zoo, aquarium, or conservation professions.