Youth & Young Adults
WCS Career Lattice
WCS Education is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and STEM professionals by providing young people with meaningful career pathways. Our work with youth is central to this mission. Each year, over 1,800 young adults, ages 14 to 24, gain valuable experience through enrichment programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and employment across our five parks. With the majority of these opportunities at the Bronx Zoo, WCS is proud to be the largest employer of young adults in the Bronx.
TheWCS Career Lattice is an integrated career pathway program designed to equip young people with the skills, experience, and professional networks needed to succeed in conservation and STEM fields. Through this program, we:
- Connect local youth with career opportunities through strategic outreach and partnerships;
- Develop their knowledge and skills through hands-on work experiences, professional development, and mentorship;
- Advance their careers through leadership training and tiered professional opportunities.
By providing young people with access to real-world experiences and professional growth, WCS empowers the next generation to build meaningful careers, expand their networks, and contribute to conservation efforts that benefit both people and wildlife.
How Can You Get Involved?
Support & Benefits
Sci Network NYC
SCI Network NYC brings together 8 of New York City's science-based cultural institutions in 12 different locations to connect youth with more than 60 high quality internship opportunities.
Impact
The WCS Career Lattice is generously supported by the New York City Council, New York City Speaker, Institute of Museum and Library Services [ME-252972-OMS-23], Congressman Ritchie Torres, US Department of Education, Charina Endowment Fund, Inc., Gray Foundation, The Pinkerton Foundation, RBC Foundation USA, Bank of America, BNY, Con Edison, Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Gail and Michael O’Neill, and numerous other individual, foundation, and corporate funders.
