Ready to Work

Ready to Work in the Zoo

Student with goat at the Lousville Zoo.

I am absolutely loving my time working at the zoo." -Melisha, RTW employee, intern, and mom. 

The Ready to Work program at Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) recently began their collaboration with the Louisville Zoo. The Ready to Work program has taken a significant role in expanding the long-standing relationship which JCTC has held with the zoo, helping to integrate work study and academic credit through internships. Ready to Work student employee Melisha is the first student to benefit from this collaboration, and the opportunity has given Melisha the ability to earn academic credit while earning a paycheck to break down non-academic barriers. Including benefits from the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and Ready to Work, Melisha has access to:

  • Child Care
  • Cash Assistance
  • Summer Tuition Grant
  • School supplies, including laptops
  • Gas and/or public transportation help
  • Career and Academic Advising
  • And other supports tailored to each student-parent

During the summer of 2021, the Zoo was awarded a James Graham Brown Foundation grant to supply zoo passes to those in the community who may not otherwise have financial resources to become a member. Ready to Work was allotted 60 family memberships for our students. The student will be the primary membership holder and can bring one adult guest and up to 4 children, with passes being good for one year. 

Request more information about Ready to Work here!