The Junior Zoo Apprentice Program (JZAP) is a three to four year work-based learning program for deserving Philadelphia area high school students. Preference is given to students from challenged communities that are entering 9th or 10th grade.
JZAP is a great resource for high school students to experience career exploration, college preparation and have the opportunity to work with animals in a professional environment. Students in JZAP volunteer in a variety of Zoo departments, take part in monthly workshops and have the opportunity to go on free day and overnight trips to area educational venues and cultural institutions. Students are also involved in a variety of special experiences both at the Zoo and beyond.
Program workshops are offered on a variety of animal, job-skill, and life-skill topics such as, animal behavior, college, veterinary science, conflict resolution, resume writing and interview skills. Periodically, special offerings like SAT preparation workshops, writing skills development, and visits to colleges are made available to members.
JZAP is a United Way Designee! Our program number is 29708 (Philly Zoo Jr. Apprentice Program).
JZAP Supporters
The Philadelphia Zoo and JZAP gratefully acknowledge the following supporters:
- Reliance Standard Life Insurance and The Delphi Project Foundation
- The Lincoln Financial Group Foundation
- The Anthony Robbins Foundation
- Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
- Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Rankin
- The Independence Foundation
- The United Way of South Eastern Pennsylvania
- Eleanore Bennett Charitable Trust
Without the support of these organizations, JZAP would not be possible.
JZAP Mission
The Philadelphia Zoo's Junior Zoo Apprentice Program is committed to fostering an interest in zoology, conservation and the natural world for deserving youth - particularly from low-income communities. The program takes pride in providing these students with opportunities for career exploration, self-discovery, personal development and community and conservation service.
JZAP Benefits
One of the many benefits of JZAP is that students get to work with animals! JZAP participants are specially trained to handle many of the small animals in the Children's Zoo's collection. Students are also exposed to new experiences and meet students from all over the Philadelphia area. Some of our participants have received community service credit for their work in the program. (Students should check with their school to determine whether JZAP participation meets this requirement.) Junior Zoo Apprentices, like all Philadelphia Zoo volunteers and employees, are also entitled to free Zoo passes, discounts on food, beverages and merchandise, and invitations to special recognition events.
JZAP Eligibility
Applicants must be 14 years old as of July 1.
Preference is given to students from lower-income families or challenged communities.
Applicants should be entering 9th or 10th grade at time of application.
JZAP Requirements
All program members must complete one full year of volunteer work in the Zoo before being eligible to apply for a paid position. This involves working 12 full days per month in the summer and two days per month during the school year in addition to attending workshops and special events. All potential program members should be aware that they may be required to work both Saturdays and Sundays as that is when the Zoo is busiest. Program members are expected to maintain excellent attendance, punctuality and conduct. If you are involved in other extra curricular activities, you are not excused from your commitment to JZAP. Uniform shirts and sweatshirts will be provided; students must provide their own khaki pants and sturdy shoes.
JZAP Availability
The Junior Zoo Apprentice Program is a three to four year program. It requires active participation year round. It is not a summer only program! When a Junior Zoo Apprentice graduates from high school, they also graduate from JZAP. At that point, the Junior Zoo Apprentice will be invited to join the alumni group and, if interested, may occasionally be asked to help with workshops and field trips.
Year 1
- Volunteer 14 days per month July and August
- Volunteer two days per month September-May
- Attend one workshop per month
Year 2
- Seasonal work (months vary)
- Volunteer one to two days per month (any month not employed)
- Attend one workshop per month
Year 3
- Seasonal work (months vary)
- Attend one workshop per month
- volunteering optional
Year 4
Only for participants still in high school
- Seasonal work (months vary)
- Attend one workshop per month
- volunteering optional
JZAP Application
Please keep in mind that JZAP is a very competitive program, and only 18 students are accepted each year. Early applicants have a better chance of acceptance into the program. A new JZAP class is recruited each spring; so it is best to apply January - April, although applications will continue to be accepted until May 1st. Call 215-243-5310 for more information.