Franklin Park Zoo Eco-Teens Evaluation

The EcoTeens Program is a hands-on, science based enrichment program offered by the Franklin Park Zoo. The program is open to youth in Boston Public Schools grades 9 - 11, and is designed to teach students about natural history and conservation issues, and to provide them with opportunities to develop leadership skills. Youth participate in the out-of-school time program during weekly after-school sessions, as well as every other Saturday sessions. In the 2008 program, they could choose to participate in one session (January through March, or April through early June) or in both sessions. Participants received hands-on training in environmental issues, met zoo personnel, and worked together to develop public education programs. Participants who successfully completed the program are now eligible for summer employment at the zoo.