Career Awareness Program, The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota

The Raptor Center career awareness program provides a new twist to learning about environmental and veterinary careers -- raptors! Using live raptors such as eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, our education specialists talk about various careers in related fields such as environmental studies, wildlife management and conservation, environmental education, and more.

Our connection to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine provides us with a unique ability to speak about careers in animal science and veterinary medicine. Speakers cover basic career information such as educational requirements, career opportunities, and the personal experiences that lead them to working with raptors.

Program highlights

• Programs are modified according to the audience's grade level and information requests
• At least one raptor education specialist
• At least three raptors such as an eagle, hawk, owl, or falcon (Bald eagle programs include a bald eagle and three additional raptors.)
• Hands-on teaching tools such as X-rays, feathers, wings, skulls, and feet
• Interactive questions

Programs can be modified to meet specific learning objectives upon teacher request.

A group size between 30 and 100 provides the best educational experience. Larger groups can be accomodated with special program modifications.

Program prices

Nonprofit organizations

• Three raptors, such as an owl, hawk, and falcon (not including an eagle): $250
• Four raptors, including a bald eagle: $350

For-profit corporations

• Three raptors, such as an owl, hawk, and falcon (not including an eagle): $350
• Four raptors, including a bald eagle: $450

Each additional consecutive program on the same day at the same site: $75 each (up to four programs)

Additional charges will be applied if the program location is more than 50 miles from The Raptor Center.

To schedule a program, contact The Raptor Center education department at 612-624-2756 or raptored@umn.edu.