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Zoo Youth Program (ZYP)

ZYP is about getting youth to utilise cultural institutions.  It is a Leadership Development Pilot Program for 13–18 year-olds which will initially utilise the Melbourne Zoo. The goal of the program is to foster business skills and social competencies through the development of a youth-targeted program of zoo-based activities in areas such as conservation and community involvement.

The goal

The aim of ZYP is to generate youth involvement in the community.  The initial focus of this project was on creating and facilitating a Youth Development Council of 12 leaders to plan and develop both a business strategy and program of activities. Guidance and support in achieving these goals will come from an Advisory Board of business professionals and qualified Zoo staff. The purpose of developing the ZYP model by the Youth Development Council with the support of a professional advisory group is to ensure the model is relevant to teenagers and has the support of the target group from inception.

Milestones

Launched on 20 October, 2005, with 12 initial youth board members sourced from metropolitan and regional areas across a variety of demographics and supported by parents and schools. Companies involved in the Advisory Board have committed to provide ongoing staffing and support. The Board has met three times and planned monthly sessions. A database of approximately 150 interested youth has been assembled and is being built on. The project has received tremendous initial support from business and cultural institutions.