Collegiate Conservation Program

This internship is designed for college sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are interested in a participatory, team-based summer internship opportunity that focuses on field conservation science techniques, learning about a zoo-based conservation organization, and culminates in a team project, synthesizing information learned over the entire summer.

Program Overview

The Houston Zoo Collegiate Conservation Program is a ten-week internship sponsored by ExxonMobil. The Houston Zoo is committed to cultivating the next generation of conservation heroes. Each summer 10 interns are selected to train, learn, and work at the Houston Zoo and regional conservation partners. For more information, take a look at the internship description below.

2020 CCP Internship Description(pdf)

Dates and Deadline

Thank you for your interest in the Collegiate Conservation Program. At this time, we are not offering this program during the 2021 summer. Please email us at education@houstonzoo.org with any questions.

What are we looking for in a CCP Intern?

We are looking for students who come from a variety of backgrounds, with different strengths and perspectives. While candidates don’t need to have a background in science or zoos, you should have interest in saving animals in the wild no matter what future career you plan on.

Think of your resume, cover letter, and application as opportunities to tell us your story. Introduce yourself and get us eager to know more about you. Share what you can bring to this team.

Impact Statements

Take a look at some of the impacts from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 CCP interns!

2019 CCP Key Findings

2018 CCP Impact Statements

2017 CCP Impact Statements

Collegiate Conservation Program

Feedback from CCP Alumni

“CCP took all of my preconceived notions about the field of conservation and spun them around. It opened my eyes to all of the possibilities in conservation, and the importance of it. Everything I choose to do will now have a basis stemming from this internship.”
– Mack, 2017 Intern

“This experience was amazing. I’ve learned more here than my entire year of college and I now have a greater understanding of the field of conservation. I was changed by finally understanding what role I can play in conservation and how I can take steps to achieve my goals.”
– Zachary, 2019 Intern