The mission
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global conservation organization based at the Bronx Zoo. It’s mission: To save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. WCS runs four zoos and an aquarium in New York City (Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium) and runs the largest on-the-ground conservation program on Earth, working in 50 plus countries.
With the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven its success in protecting wildlife and wild places for more than 125 years.
The program
The RBC Foundation USA currently supports the WCS Career Lattice program at the New York Aquarium:
The WCS Career Lattice program at the New York Aquarium supports young people ages 16-24 growing up in historically underrepresented communities in Brooklyn by providing expanded access to opportunities at the Aquarium and a suite of professional services and supports.
The WCS Career Lattice supports young people using a three-pronged approach:
- Connect and recruit in local, historically underrepresented communities through outreach and partnerships.
- Develop youth through workshops, support services, programming, work experiences, and skill-building while at the New York Aquarium.
- Advance their professional journeys through leadership training and tiered professional opportunities.
In 2024, the WCS Career Lattice will expand workforce development opportunities for 350 youth at the New York Aquarium, leading to increased opportunities to pursue green and STEM careers.
Wildlife Conservation Society at a glance
- Founded: 1895
- Based: The WCS Career Lattice program operates out of WCS’s five New York City parks – The Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo as well as The New York Aquarium; The Wildlife Conservation Society is global
- Cause: Professional development and STEM skills for underrepresented New York City youth
- RBC Foundation USA partner since: 2021