Tap Into Change

Denver Zoo Celebrates the Achievements of Women in Conservation with New Scholarship

Women are half the world’s population and are an untapped resource for conservation. Women are the primary users of natural resources around the world and are full of vital knowledge about wildlife and the environment, capable of driving change within their own communities. But on a global scale and in the field of conservation, women’s voices are marginalized and underrepresented.

That’s why Denver Zoo is happy to announce the “Tap into Change” scholarship for female graduate students pursuing a career in wildlife conservation.

The “Tap into Change” scholarship will provide financial support for the education, training, and skills women need to prepare for careers in wildlife conservation. Each year, an award will be given to one female-identified student pursuing full or part-time graduate study, based on an application outlining academic achievement, participation in wildlife conservation activities, field of study, statements of objectives, and letters of recommendations.

According to UNESCO, women account for 70 percent of the populations living in absolute poverty, and 66 million girls are out of school globally. Without access to education and career opportunities, their full potential as keepers of knowledge, decision-makers, and ecosystem managers cannot be realized.

“Empowering women expands and redefines wildlife conservation. When women participate in wildlife conservation, everyone benefits,” says Field Conservation Community Conservation Manager Erin Stotz.

Last year Denver Zoo was able to award TWO scholarships to women currently enrolled in graduate school and working to save wildlife in Mongolia and Peru. 

As part Denver Zoo’s larger Untapped project – which looks to give women the tools they need to gain knowledge, have a voice, and feel empowered to become active leaders in wildlife conservation – the scholarship provides financial support for the education, training, and skills women need to prepare for careers in wildlife conservation.

Today, there is a growing movement of women, working together to demand both rights for the environment and for themselves. It’s important to provide women an opportunity to gain the equity they deserve – and Denver Zoo is proud to be part of this movement.

For more information on how to apply for the Tap into Change scholarship or support Denver Zoo’s Untapped program click here.

Tap into Change Scholarship Requirements:

• Identifies as female
• Is a National from one of Denver Zoo’s international field conservation program areas - Vietnam, Mongolia, Botswana and Peru; preference is given to applicants who demonstrate an intent to return to that county to work in wildlife conservation.
• Applications from graduate students in wildlife conservation or similar fields, with a proven commitment and active engagement in the local communities of the Rocky Mountain West (Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming), will also be considered
• Actively enrolled in an accredited graduate school program
• Is pursuing a degree in the field of wildlife conservation; consideration for other degrees given if one can demonstrate relevance to a career in the area of wildlife conservation
• Two letters of recommendation submitted from a current or recent instructor and a professional colleague
• Completed all application sections and essay questions
• Agrees to participate in Denver Zoo’s Untapped program
• Agrees to adhere to Denver Zoo’s reporting requirements