The Redwood Coast AAZK Professional Development Grant:

Travel Funding for the National AAZK Conference

Submission Instructions and Requirements

Statement of Purpose

The Redwood Coast AAZK Professional Development Grant is designed to assist AAZK members with costs associated with attending professional development conferences or workshops. To qualify, the applicant must be a Redwood Coast AAZK member in good standing and demonstrate 1) the value of participating in the conference, 2) how it will contribute to their professional goals and growth, and 3) how it will benefit the Redwood Coast AAZK chapter and/or Sequoia Park Zoo.

One scholarship to attend the National AAZK conference will be offered in 2017 for up to $750. Grant applications are due no later than 8 AM, June 10, 2017. Applications will be accepted from new and experienced keepers, zoo staff, and AAZK members and are evaluated on their merit based on the member’s submission of all requested materials.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a completed application form. All application materials should be submitted digitally via email to . Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application Evaluation Procedures

Applicants will be evaluated on: their length of membership in AAZK, involvement with AAZK projects, dedication to the zoo/aquarium field, involvement with conservation projects, applicability of the conference to their career goals, and the professionalism of their application. The Professional Development Committee will review all applications and submit their scores.All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by June 25, 2017.

Grant Details

Upon being awarded the grant, the following rules and schedule must be adhered to:

• Funds are allocated and original receipts should be submitted to the Redwood Coast Chapter Treasurer with your name on each as an identifier within 7 days of return from travel or earlier as available.

• The conference being attended should occur within one year of issuance of the grant.

• A 10-minute presentation (or alternatively a hands-on, skill-share workshop, based on the content of the conference/workshop attended) must be given to the chapter within 3 months of your return from the conference. If you would prefer to lead a workshop and the Professional Development Committee approves your request, the workshop content and materials must be approved by the committee prior to the meeting.

• Any grant recipient may submit a second proposal following successful completion of the requirements and presentation of the previous proposal.

• Failure to comply with any of the above-mentioned regulations may result in the revocation of the grant at any time and additionally may be grounds for ineligibility of future scholarships.

Redwood CoastAAZK Professional Development Grant

Redwood Coast Chapter

American Association of Zoo Keepers

3414 W Street

Eureka, CA 95503

Please email application to with the subject header RC AAZK Professional Development Grant by June 10, 2017 at 8 AM.

Name______Phone______

Address______Email______

Institution______Position______

Conference location/date______

Estimated cost______Amount requested______Have you requested additional funding? Yes No If Yes, how much?______From whom?______

How many years of applied zoo/aquariums experience do you have? ______

Do you have experience in an AZA institution? If yes, where & how many years?______

List your starting date as a National AAZK member______RC AAZK member______

In the last 12 months, how many general RCAAZK chapter meetings have you attended? ______

List chapter/national activities or chapter/national committees and positions you have held______

Have you previously applied for an RCAAZK grant? Yes No If yes, when and which one?

If you answered yes to the previous question, were you awarded funds? If yes, what amount? ______

Do you participate in any AZA/AAZK related projects (SSP’s, TAG’s, studbooks, etc.)? If so, please list them.

Describe your professional goals and how attending the AAZK conference will help you achieve those goals (700 word max).

Explain how your participation in the AAZK conference will benefit Redwood Coast AAZK and/or Sequoia Park Zoo (700 word max).

Explain how your participation in this conference furthers all or part of RC AAZK’s mission to support conservation, encourage environmental stewardship, and enhance animal care (500 word max).

Give an example of a recent accomplishment or challenge that demonstrates your commitment to

conservation, animal care, and/or professional development (200 word max).

Please provide a detailed list of the following:

1) Your global or regional conservation efforts, 2) Conferences, workshops, or seminars attended, 3) Professional affiliations, 4) Committees on which you have served, 5) Published contributions (e.g. manuscripts, chapters), 6) Professional awards or related recognition received