Trailblazers Youth Advisory Council
Make a difference in the natural world and unlock your wild potential
The Phoenix Zoo’s Youth Advisory Council, the Trailblazers, is a group of twenty dedicated high school students who are behind the creation of our youth engagement and conservation efforts. They play a pivotal role in promoting youth participation, amplifying young voices and shaping decisions that impact young people in our community. By valuing and including the perspectives of youth, the Phoenix Zoo can create more inclusive, accessible and effective programs and opportunities for teens and young adults, with the ultimate goal of inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards and advocates.
About the Trailblazers Youth Advisory Council
Trailblazers meet monthly at the Phoenix Zoo and participate in three core activities:
- Advising on youth programs and events – Trailblazers provide input on making programs more accessible and engaging for teens and help plan youth events like the annual Teen Career Conference.
- Service projects – Trailblazers work in teams to complete hands-on service projects at the Zoo and with conservation partners to support wildlife and the environment.
- Conservation learning – Trailblazers explore conservation topics through lessons and activities to increase their understanding of important issues and to grow as leaders in environmental stewardship.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
- Be entering grades 9 – 12 for the 2025-26 school year
- Eager to share ideas and contribute to shaping youth programming at the Phoenix Zoo
- Passionate about wildlife and conservation with a desire to be a leader for positive change
- Able to collaborate and lead in a team environment
REQUIREMENTS
- Commit to a full year of service from August-May
- Attend a full-day orientation on August 16, 2025
- Attend and actively participate in monthly meetings on September 13, October 18, November 15, December 6, January 24, February 7, March 7, April 11 and May 2
- Attend and present at the end-of-year celebration and project showcase on May 15, 2026.
Application Process
Accepting applications March 1 through May 31!
Acceptance into the program is competitive and we encourage all applicants to carefully review the steps below to ensure their application is complete.
Please submit your application by May 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time.
Applicants must identify one person to serve as their professional reference.
A professional reference is someone that can speak to your professional abilities such as your ability to problem-solve, communicate, collaborate with others, and your leadership potential. Professional references should also be able to speak to your character. Professional references can be someone like a teacher, coach, youth group leader, or any other adult who knows you in a structured setting. Parents, family members, and friends should not be used as references.
The professional reference is responsible for independently completing the online Reference Form on behalf of the applicant. Applications will not be considered complete without a complete Reference Form.
Need help identifying someone to be a professional reference or how to ask them to be your reference? Check out these tips!
Reference forms are due by May 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time.
If selected to continue based on the responses provided in your application and your professional reference, you will receive an invitation to interview with Phoenix Zoo staff. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place during the summer in June and July.
All applicants will be notified of their application status around the first week of August. If selected to be a Trailblazer, you will be asked to formally accept your position on the Youth Advisory Council and will be required to complete some necessary paperwork.
FAQs
We are looking for a diverse group of passionate and engaged youth to serve on the Trailblazers council. Ideal applicants have a strong interest in conservation and protecting animals and their habitats, a desire to share their voice and help shape youth programming at the Phoenix Zoo and the ability to work as part of a team while developing leadership skills. We value a wide range of perspectives and experiences to ensure our council represents the diverse voices of youth in our community.
Trailblazers must commit to the program for a minimum of one year (August through May) and be able to attend all scheduled meetings.
Program dates:
- August 16, 2025: Full-day orientation
- Monthly meetings from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.: September 13, October 18, November 15, December 6, January 24, February 7, March 7, April 11 and May 2
- May 15, 2026: Project showcase and end-of-the-year ceremony
(All dates are subject to change)
Trailblazers are also expected to put in some additional time outside of the scheduled meetings to work on their projects, meet with their teammates and complete advisory research/tasks. Trailblazers will be invited to attend other optional events/opportunities that may be of interest as they become available.
The Trailblazers Youth Advisory Council focuses on leadership development and empowers teens to assist in the design, planning and execution of teen programming at the Zoo. The monthly meetings involve collaborative group discussions, leadership and professional development activities and working in teams on the service-learning projects. Trailblazers are also expected to put in some additional time outside of the scheduled meetings. If you like thinking deeply about an issue or task and working with others to solve it, this is the program for you!
The ZooTeens program offers teens the ability to volunteer at the Phoenix Zoo on the weekends. ZooTeens volunteer shifts are focused on engaging and educating guests in a variety of fun and interactive ways. ZooTeens are required to complete a specific number of volunteer hours each year to remain in the program. If you like sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with others while developing important professional and life skills, this is the program for you!
You may apply to both the Trailblazers and ZooTeen programs, however, you may only participate in one program at a time. If you reach the interview process, Phoenix Zoo staff will work with you to identify which program may be a better fit for you.
Youth who are selected to join Trailblazers will be required to pay a $100 program fee. The program fee will support the cost of a program polo, name tag, and program activities. Limited scholarships will be available and will be distributed based on individual student need after the selection process.
Trailblazers have the opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience in a conservation organization. Developing this network is great for future letters of recommendation and professional reference checks!
Trailblazers also receive an annual membership to the Phoenix Zoo. Some of the benefits of a Teen Volunteer membership include free admission for the teen and up to three guests and a 35% discount at Zoo food venues. A full list of membership benefits and regulations will be provided to all Trailblazers when they receive their membership cards. Trailblazers may also count their time participating in the program as volunteer service hours.
If you have additional questions about the Trailblazers program, please contact trailblazers@phoenixzoo.org.
Are you interested in applying for the 2025-2026 Trailblazers cohort? Join our interest list and stay up to date on the application timeline and process.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
