Youth Exhibit Guide Program
Science-Driven Summer Volunteer Opportunity
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Duration
Long Term
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Grades
10 - 12
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Price
$40 materials fee (if accepted)
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Where
Main Aquarium Campus
Overview
The National Aquarium Youth Exhibit Guide program gives local high school students the opportunity to spend a summer volunteering at the Aquarium, working with our staff in our exhibits and sharing in the Aquarium's unique mission and magic.
This program provides students with a realistic look at careers in marine biology, valuable work experience and an opportunity to connect with other students who share similar interests.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have successfully completed ninth grade by June 2023.
- Be environmentally aware.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in marine biology, environmental science and related fields.
- Enjoy interacting with, talking to and assisting guests of all ages.
Accepted students must:
- Participate in exhibit floor shifts July 5 to August 15, 2023.
- Be available to attend program orientation May 7, 2023.
- Be available for ALL training sessions the week of June 26 to 30, 2023.
- Commit to complete the entirety of the summer program. This consists of completing a minimum of 85 volunteer hours; participating in two five-hour shifts per week throughout the summer (total of 6 weeks); and attending mandatory shifts during the first week of the program, July 5 to 11, 2023.
- Submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
How To Apply
Applications for the summer 2023 session are currently closed. Applications for summer 2024 will open in December 2023.
Qualified applicants will be notified of interview dates and times via email on or around February 10, 2023. Attendance at interviews is required to be considered for acceptance in the program. Interviews will take place on February 25, February 26, March 4 or March 5.
If accepted into the program, participants will be asked to provide a $40 fee for course registration and materials. Need-based scholarships are available.
Disclaimer: The National Aquarium closely monitors COVID-19 numbers and reserves the right to modify program details according to staff and participant safety.
Perks
Volunteering at the Aquarium provides a unique learning opportunity and valuable work experience with a wide range of benefits. As a guide in the galleries, you will enjoy:
- A realistic look at careers in marine biology and other science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) fields.
- An opportunity to fulfill your school's community service requirements.
- A chance to meet new friends with shared interests.
- An array of marine science training classes.
- Social opportunities and activities.
- Staff discounts and privileges.
- A fun and unforgettable summer!
Questions?
Please email studentsummerprogram@aqua.org with any questions.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
The National Aquarium is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable and accessible to people from all backgrounds. We cannot successfully change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet without connecting with and appreciating the broad diversity of identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make our community unique.