High School Blue Crew
Mote’s High School Blue Crew Program offers local high school students the opportunity to learn more about the fields of marine research, animal care, and conservation education. Opportunities for advancement will become available as students progress through the program, including peer leadership positions, career shadowing, experiential learning, and assisting with education programming. Blue Crew also offers the opportunity to connect with fellow students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of marine science and animal care.
Blue Crew participants will act as Aquarium Guides at our new facility, Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). Aquarium Guides interact with guests to interpret aquarium exhibits and connect to Mote research, as well as facilitate animal encounters. Blue Crew participants will earn service hour credit and be provided with continued support and ongoing training throughout their time in the program, as well as a variety of social and educational/experiential opportunities.
Applications for Mote’s High School Blue Crew open in mid-February and are due in mid-April of each year. Summer is the only time that new students are able to enter the program. Program progression occurs as follows:
Applications for the 2026 High School Blue Crew are now open!
Applications will close on April 15th, 2026.
Please review the eligibility requirements and application process details listed below prior to submitting your application.
Blue Crew Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled high school student
- Must not be a senior or have already graduated at the time of application
- Must have reliable transportation to and from Mote SEA at UTC Mall
- Optional offsite opportunities at Mote’s Sarasota research campuses (City Island and Mote Aquaculture Research Park) may also become available
- Must be available to attend onsite training on Friday, May 29th at Mote SEA
- Must schedule shifts and record service hours using an online volunteer management platform, VicNet
- Must be positive, dedicated, and hard working
- Must be communicative and check email regularly
- Must complete minimum service hours requirements each season to remain in good standing (see table below)
- Program participants in good standing will be invited to continue each following season and will not need to reapply
Application Process:
- Submit an application. Application materials include a resume and cover letter. Here are some resources on how to write a resume, as well as how to write a cover letter.
- After we have reviewed applications, you may be invited to participate in an onsite interview at Mote SEA. Interviews held after school and on weekends in April and the first two weeks of May.
- If offered a position in the program, the onboarding process will include:
- Online training courses
- Onsite orientation Friday, May 29th (mandatory)
- One Aquarium Guide shift shadowing a Volunteer Trainer
Applications are due April 15th, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Mandatory onsite orientation will be held at Mote SEA on Friday, May 29th.
Please note that this is a highly competitive program. We have a limited number of participant spaces available for the High School Blue Crew Program. If you are not offered a position, we encourage you to apply for next year’s program.
