The Arizona Humane Society is looking for a few good teenagers, especially those who have a special place in their hearts for pets.
The Arizona Humane Society’s Humane Teens program is a unique youth leadership program offered for teens ages 14 to 17 who have an interest in the health and wellness of animals. According to Kelsey Dickerson, Arizona Humane Society spokesperson, this program is a great way for students to get involved. “Becoming a Humane Teen is a special commitment to the Arizona Humane Society that requires 24 hours of service within the fall or spring school semester. This unique program is a great first step into the workforce for teens interested in developing life skills like accountability, appropriate communication and ambition.”
Applications will start being accepted in August for the Fall 2022 semester, and the program has a fee of $195. Upon acceptance into the program, teens can apply for available scholarships to help with the cost of the program. Dickerson says the skills learned by the teens during this program are invaluable for today and the student’s future. “Throughout the semester, teens learn hands-on animal handling skills, help lead youth programs and presentations, as well as assist with the daily care of exotic animals and Arizona Humane Society's homeless pets. This unique career discovery experience also gives participants invaluable mentorship and leadership opportunities through unique, collaborative experiences between the Humane Teens, different departments at the Arizona Humane Society, and other animal rescues and sanctuaries.”
The Humane Teens program officially launched back in 2016 but has become a more structured program over the past few years to help teens with career exploration and learn valuable skills that can translate into future career roles.
The program takes place at the Humane Society’s Nina Mason Pulliam South Mountain Campus, which is located at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. Teens and parents are encouraged to visit the Arizona Humane Society website at AZHumane.org/HumaneTeens for more information on the program and details on how and when to apply. You can also call 602-997-7585, extension 2005 for more information.
For parents of children younger than 14 who are interested in animals, there are programs as well throughout the year for your child. The Humane Society provides different virtual and in-person youth programs for children of all ages and abilities including youth camps, birthday parties, Reading Fur Fun, volunteering from home and more. For details on those programs, visit AZHumane.org/Youth.