The Minnesota Zoological Garden seeks to initiate an eleven- week commuter Young Scholars project in behavioral research and conservation biology for ten students entering grades eleven and twelve. The project provides opportunities for students to engage in seminars, field trips, research methodology, and classroom activities focusing on animal behavior, conservation biology, and zoo biology. Each student develops and executes an independent research study with guidance from program professional staff and individual zoo staff mentors. The seminars and field trips are designed to increase the students' awareness of educational and career opportunities in related scientific fields.