Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoological Society will use its grant to support “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” a three-year project to increase familiarity with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among demographic groups that are underrepresented in those fields. This scalable and replicable education model engages students and their teachers through a series of day-long experiences. These include inquiry-based field work; classroom learning opportunities; behind-the-scenes experiences at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo; and other trips that introduce students to zoo-inspired careers in animal welfare, humane education, veterinary medicine, conservation, and environmental science and engineering. Teacher orientation, resources, and follow-up will support classroom application of inquiry-based education beyond the project. The project will engage 50 students and ten teachers each year.