This summer, four students have been selected to attend the second annual Zoo Experience STEM program at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Three Big Bear High School students, Bibiana Castillon, Jasmin Moreno, and Nicole Sannes, plus Yucaipa High School student, Karly Vizzini, will participate in this one-week, internship-style camp to take place July 22nd – July 26th, which coincides with National Zookeepers' Week. During the camp, these four young women will have the opportunity to work with zookeepers, learn animal science, develop public speaking skills, as well as writing a daily blog, which will be illustrated with their photography.
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Zoo Experience mentors Cherlye Potter, Terry Gold,
Linda Quiroz, Marianne Lins. |
“The Zoo Experience” program seeks to break through barriers for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math, while exposing them to careers in the field of zoological sciences. Currently, women account for only a minority of managerial positions in zoos. AAUW is dedicated to inspiring women to become leaders and opening their minds to STEM fields that they may have not considered as viable careers.
The community is invited to “tag along” by checking out the daily blog posts from the young women July 22nd – July 26th, after 6 pm each day. The public is also invited to the Culmination Event on Friday, July 26th, from 3 to 4 pm at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Zoo admission is required, so come early, or stay late to enjoy the Zoo as well.
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Zoo Experience Committee - Christie Walker, Jana Bryant,
Beth Meyer, Jill Myers, Marianne Lins. |
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Christie Walker, Alpine Zoo Curator,
Bob Cisneros, Jill Myers. |
