​ Franklin Pest Solutions Sponsors Columbian Park Zoo Teen Program

Lafayette, Ind. (August 9, 2024) -- As part of its ongoing mission to help promote the importance of STEM education opportunities and career choices in environmental science, Franklin Pest Solutions is sponsoring the Columbian Park Zoo Teen program in Lafayette, Indiana.

“Franklin is committed to supporting programs that help kids understand the world around us, said Janelle Iaccino, Franklin’s marketing director. “Children interested in environmental science, whether it’s animals, plants or bugs are empathic by nature. We want to champion that. Supporting this program at Columbian Park Zoo is a natural for our company culture.”

The Zoo Teen program is designed for students 14-17 years of age who have a desire to explore animal-related careers, including zookeeping, conservation and wildlife education with 28 teens participating this year following a competitive application and interview process. All enrolled are students in Lafayette area high schools with a variety of career interests, including animal-related careers like being a veterinarian or wildlife biologist to wanting to be teachers, lawyers and even pastry chefs.

“We’ve had graduates of our Zoo Teen program continue with their education to be zookeepers and even dentists and doctors. It’s amazing to see how this program helps shape their career paths,” said Zoo assistant education director Courtney Nave.

Nave said the Zoo Teen program is an excellent leadership volunteer program to provide students with the opportunity to build a variety of transferable job skills, such as interpersonal communication, customer service, time management, problem-solving, professional conduct, and public speaking.

“Mentored by Zoo staff, these teens are working with a limited set of animals to develop a deep understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation and a Zoo’s role in educating the public,” Nave said. “First year participants focus on foundational skills, practicing visitor engagement and wildlife education. Returning participants also work with zookeepers on safe husbandry tasks, developing the knowledge and skillset needed for a future career in animal-related fields.

“As human beings, we are meant to interact with the earth and all of its creatures,” Iaccino said. “I want to encourage kids to be in touch with all the life around us because there’s nothing more rewarding than understanding that symbiosis and our place in the world.”

For more information about what Franklin is doing to support children interested in STEM, visit https://www.franklinpestsolutions.com/kids-corner/.

About Franklin Pest Solutions, LLC

Since 1929, Franklin Pest Solutions and sister company Rose Pest Solutions have been trusted in the Midwest to keep homes and businesses free from insects, rodents, and more. Using cutting-edge technology, environmentally friendly methods, and personalized unique solutions, Franklin and Rose are dedicated to creating and maintaining healthier living environments. Owned by the Dold Family, Franklin Pest Solutions proudly serves communities in Indiana and Kentucky, and Rose Pest Solutions proudly serves all of Chicagoland, the Greater Milwaukee area, and South Central Wisconsin. For more information, see www.franklinpestsolutions.com and www.rosepestcontrol.com.

About Columbian Park Zoo

Founded in 1908, Columbian Park Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Indiana. It is approximately 6 acres in size and is located in historic Columbian Park. The Zoo features several “immersion” exhibits and the animal collection consists of nearly 200 animals representing approximately 90 species.

Zoo Teen Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Zoo Teen Program is to provide an opportunity for area youth to engage with Columbian Park Zoo, gain an appreciation for the importance of zoos and conservation, to explore animal-related careers while building transferable job skills, and to empower youth to become community leaders/advocates for conservation action.