Page 9 - Impact Report 2017

college and careers, and helps them to Opening Doors and
make a difference in their communities. Providing Opportunties

Sandra provides mentorship to The Chicago Zoological Society strives to reach the youngest learners...
participating young adults, organizes and
supervises programs, and collaborates 158 children and caregivers in Nature
with other zoo staff and community Play ZAP!
organizations like Eden Place in Chicago’s (Ages 1-5)
Fuller Park neighborhood, the Chicago 2,959 children and
Urban League, and neighborhood families in ZAP!
libraries. (Ages 6-12)
177 middle
Recalling her own adolescent school students
experience, and growing up in a culture
that didn’t always embrace nature and in Zoo Explorers Club
science, she encourages young people to
“let their science geek flag fly!” She urges 742 children 1,365
them to “find adults with the same
interests that you have. Seek out that and adults in children in
one science teacher or librarian who can Family Play
provide you with resources, direction, Programs Zoo Camp
and support.” She thinks back to her
own experience—her high school math ...along with those who are a little
teacher recognized her love of animals, further along in their education...
and encouraged her to apply to the
Society’s youth volunteer program. 1,959 17 veterinary students
271individuals 4 in clinical rotation
Sandra feels fortunate that each day, who participated teachers who
she witnesses real change happening in in some kind Ph.D. students in our
real life because of the Society’s programs. of professional participated
“Like I was, the kids I work with are development in graduate Sarasota Dolphin
transformed by their participation. They program courses
go on to conduct fieldwork in Africa, 26 Research Program
pursue careers in the sciences, and develop
conservation programs in their own Master’s degree graduates
communities.”
...and persons with disabilities. 190 persons with disabilities
She adds, “If people understand nature
and the world around them, they can ca s received an animal ambassador
grow in so many ways. King Conservation g mper visit
Science Scholars, Zoo Adventure Passport uests
(ZAP!), and other informal education 4,475 persons with disabilities
initiatives are planting the curiosity seed 20% 7%
and nurturing it with water and sunshine. (plus family/staff) were served
We are helping young people to envision of zoo of zoo through special zoo visits
a previously unimaginable future for guests campers
themselves and then providing them 14,833 persons with disabilities
with tools to reach their goals.” may have a physical,
cognitive, or sensory (plus family/staff) were served
Sandra has recently completed a through free passes
Bachelor of Science degree in biology disability.
with a concentration in education from The "A Zoo for All" initiative includes:
Northeastern Illinois University. She plans Our “A Zoo for All”
to continue providing informal science initiative expanded in ✔ Programs that train individuals
education to youth in Chicago-area 2017 in an effort to with disabilities for employment and
communities. █ meet all of their needs. volunteer opportunities, like Good
Works and Project SEARCH.

✔ Inclusive programming, like Zoo
Camp and Family Fun Saturdays.

✔ The addition of a new sensory-
friendly family room and
inclusion resource center in the
HAMILL FAMILY PLAY ZOO.

CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | ANNUAL IMPACT REVIEW 7