The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Civic Action for Wildlife Program (CAW) is a free, immersive program designed for high school and college students aged 16-20 who are passionate about protecting wildlife and their habitats. This program provides young adults with the opportunity to discover the power of their voice and actions, connect with like-minded peers, and hear from guest speakers. Through hands-on activities at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on select Sundays* over the course of 10 months, participants will learn how to advocate for conservation, influence policy, and get involved in their community to create a lasting impact.
*The program provides 2 travel opportunities that require participation for an entire weekend, see dates below. These give participants the chance to speak with state and federal representatives. Cost of travel, lodging, and meals is included in the program and will not be the responsibility of the participants.
Membership Benefits
As a member of CAW, you can expect to receive the following benefits:
- Developing leadership skills
- Igniting positive change in your community
- Expanding your knowledge of government processes
- Connecting with peers who share similar conservation goals
- Engaging with a variety of guest speakers with unique backgrounds
- Participating in this one-of-a-kind experience for free!
Membership Requirements
As a member of CAW, you will be expected to uphold the following commitments:
- Be between the ages of 16-20
- Frequently check for communications from CAW coordinator
- Serve as an ambassador of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
- Collaborate with all members in a respectful manner
- Be an active participant in all meetings
- Attend monthly meetings on the following Sundays from 9:00am - 2:00pm
- September 7, 2025
- September 28, 2025
- October 26, 2025
- November 15 & 16, 2025 (Saturday, 9am – 2pm; Sunday, one day-long trip)
- December 14, 2025
- January 11, 2026
- February 8, 2026
- March 6 – 8, 2026 (Friday evening – Sunday evening, overnight trip)
- April 12, 2026
- May 10, 2026
*Applicants must be at least 16 years old and no older than 20 years old at the time of application
*If you are unavailable for more than 2 meetings, we kindly ask that you do not apply at this time.
Application and Reference
Every applicant is required to submit one application and one reference form. This reference should come from a teacher/professor or advisor (current or recent past) in the field of science or social studies and must be submitted directly by the reference. Applicants are not permitted to submit this form on their reference’s behalf. For homeschooled students, the parent/guardian who provides instruction may complete the reference form. All materials can be submitted either electronically or via physical copy.
Applications and reference forms are due by Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Electronic Application: https://forms.office.com/r/HapZ4DrHP6
Electronic Reference Form: https://forms.office.com/r/pGDxxWF73f
*Please forward this link to your reference.
Physical Materials:
To apply via physical copy, a printable application and reference form can be found HERE, and submissions can be mailed to the following address:
Attn: Education and Engagement/Civic Action for Wildlife
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109
Applicants selected to be a member of CAW will be notified via email as applications are reviewed.
Additional Information Contact Zoo Program Registration at [email protected] or 216-635-3391 with any questions.