Franklin Pest Solutions Sponsors Teen Program at Columbian Park Zoo

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As part of its ongoing mission to help promote the importance of STEM education opportunities and career choices in environmental science, Franklin Pest Solutions sponsored the Columbian Park Zoo Teen program in Lafayette, Ind.

“Franklin is committed to supporting programs that help kids understand the world around us, said Janelle Iaccino, Franklin’s marketing director. “Children interested in environmental science, whether it’s animals, plants or bugs are empathic by nature. We want to champion that. Supporting this program at Columbian Park Zoo is a natural for our company culture.”

The Zoo Teen program is designed for students 14 to 17 years old who have a desire to explore animal-related careers, including zookeeping, conservation and wildlife education with 28 teens participating this year following a competitive application and interview process. All enrolled are students in Lafayette, Ind., area high schools with a variety of career interests, including animal-related careers like being a veterinarian or wildlife biologist to wanting to be teachers, lawyers and even pastry chefs.

“We’ve had graduates of our Zoo Teen program continue with their education to be zookeepers and even dentists and doctors. It’s amazing to see how this program helps shape their career paths,” said Zoo assistant education director Courtney Nave.

Nave said the Zoo Teen program is an excellent leadership volunteer program to provide students with the opportunity to build a variety of transferable job skills, such as interpersonal communication, customer service, time management, problem-solving, professional conduct and public speaking.

“First year participants focus on foundational skills, practicing visitor engagement and wildlife education," Nave said. "Returning participants also work with zookeepers on safe husbandry tasks, developing the knowledge and skillset needed for a future career in animal-related fields."

For more information about what Franklin is doing to support children interested in STEM, visit https://www.franklinpestsolutions.com/kids-corner/.