Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy Receives Funding from NSERC in support of the Toronto Zoo’s Science Pathways Programs

The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is proud to announce that the Toronto Zoo has been awarded funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) PromoScience program. This significant three-year investment of $390,000 will strengthen the Toronto Zoo’s Science Careers Pathways Programs, expanding inclusive, hands-on learning experiences for youth facing systemic barriers, that strengthen science literacy, support career development, and open doors to future opportunities in conservation and STEM.

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Inclusive Learning

For over 50 years, and as one of Canada’s leading conservation organizations, the Toronto Zoo has contributed to the science, engineering, and education communities in several ways and recognizes that access to science and conservation careers remains inequitable, particularly for racialized, low-income, and Indigenous youth.

Through inclusive programming, the Toronto Zoo is addressing this issue, by fostering early interest in conservation and science and working to sustain long-term engagement by reducing financial barriers, creating meaningful learning experiences, and connecting young people to real-world conservation practices.

“NSERC is advancing a strong culture of science and innovation in Canada by investing in youth STEM outreach initiatives and celebrating leadership in science promotion. Fostering a spirit of discovery in schools and communities and strengthening trust in science are both key to developing the next generation of Canadian talent”, says Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Exploring Toronto Zoo’s Science Pathways Programs

The Toronto Zoo Science Pathways program includes:

• Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program Experiences
  Supports experiential learning for students as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
• Zoo School (Grade 11 Biology)
  Operating as a private school, the Toronto Zoo is authorized by the Ministry of Education to grant credits for Grade 11 Biology SBI 3U course.
• Toronto Zoo Field School: Introduction to Ecological Field Skills
  A two-day, hands-on ecological field experience for small groups of students from equity-deserving communities.
• Climate Action Learning & Leadership (CALL) Internships
  A 12-week paid internship, training and internship for marginalized youth, rooted in EDIA and climate action.
• TDSB Indigenous Student Summer Leadership Program
  This summer internship, co-developed by the Toronto Zoo and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), engages Indigenous secondary school students in hands-on conservation science and environment-based career exploration.
• TDSB Black Students Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP)
  The program led by the TDSB is a paid, seven-week internship for Black high school students that builds leadership, research, and science learning skills.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

We are so grateful to receive this funding from NSERC. With this support, the Toronto Zoo will have greater capacity to deliver equity-focused, experiential learning and expand access to underrepresented youth.

The Toronto Zoo is committed to helping people of all ages connect with nature and inspiring the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.

About the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy

The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is the charity partner of the Toronto Zoo. With the help of our generous donors, we support animal well-being, essential conservation science programs, and experiential learning opportunities led by the Toronto Zoo. Together, we are building a future where people, wildlife, and wild spaces don’t just survive—they thrive.

About your Toronto Zoo

Your Toronto Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. The Zoo’s vision is a world where people, wildlife and wild spaces thrive.  

An iconic tourist attraction and conservation organization, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day and attracts approximately 1.3 million guests each year.

Toronto Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has also achieved the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Certificate of Good Animal Practice® and is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).  

Media Contact Information:

Amy Baptista
416-848-5920
Media Relations Coordinator
[email protected]

Rachel McLaughlin
416-392-9113
Communications Coordinator, Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy 
[email protected]