High School Programs

Mote’s JET Program will help Junior Educators:

• Improve communication skills
• Exhibit creativity
• Strengthen teamwork
• Practice group facilitation 
• Develop problem solving skills
• Strengthen leadership experience 
• Gain experience in a professional work setting
• Gain experience in informal/experiential learning

JET Program requirements:

• Must be entering grades 10 - 12 in SY 2022-23 (14 - 18 years old)
• Must be able to commit to 3 weeks of camp between June 6th - August 12th
  • Shifts are either 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Must have transportation to and from Mote
• Must be positive, dedicated and hard working 
• Be able to stand or sit in Florida sun/heat/rain for lengths of time
• Must be comfortable swimming, snorkeling and kayaking 

Mandatory training/development dates:

• Saturday, 5/21/22 - Training from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Parent/guardian must be present from 8:30 to 9:00 for orientation
• Saturday, 7/16/22 - Professional Development Day from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, 8/10/22 - End of Summer Showcase from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 15th. Interviews will take place from April 18th-29th, and selected applicants will be notified in early May.

Questions? Please contact Morgan Meyer, Education Programs Coordinator, at mmeyer@mote.org or 941-388-4441 ext. 324.

JET FLYER

APPLY NOW

Summer High School Volunteers

2022 SHSVP REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

We have reached our capacity for applicants, and the registration for the 2022 Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) has ended.  Please check back with us in February 2023 to register for our 2023 SHSVP.  If you would like to be placed on our waiting list for the 2022 program in the case of cancellations, or potential high school volunteer opportunities later in the year, please click HERE.

Mote Marine Laboratory offers a competitive high school volunteer program for those students who are interested in marine science and education. Students selected will have the opportunity to earn service hour credit required for high school graduation. The students will serve as Aquarium Guides and interpret exhibits to guests. Training will be provided.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) is for current high school students or students who will enter high school in the following school year.
• High School graduates and high school students who will graduate before July, are ineligible for the SHSVP, but may apply as a regular volunteer if they are able to serve for at least 6 months.
• SHSVP volunteers must attend the on-site orientation on June 4th, 2022.  The orientation is expected to begin in the morning and conclude with a tour of the aquarium in the mid-afternoon.
• SHSVP volunteers must have transportation to and from Mote Marine Laboratory campus on Ken Thompson Parkway over the course of the program.
• SHSVP volunteers must commit 32 service hours as an Aquarium Guide to complete the program.  One, 4-hour shift per week for a period of 8 weeks is the expectation, as the program’s duration is scheduled for 8 weeks.  
• Volunteers will be selected based on application, interview, and availability.

For questions, contact Mote's Volunteer Coordinator at volcoordinator@mote.org.

Teen Volunteer Program

We are excited to announce a new opportunity for high school students at Mote! The Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) offers students the opportunity to volunteer as guides at our Aquarium Interpretation Stations, or as teaching assistants with our Education Department. See below for a more detailed description for each of the 2 volunteer positions. Students will earn service hour credit, and gain valuable professional skills. 

Spring dates and applications will be posted in October. If you would like to be notified via email when the application opens, please complete this Interest Form. 

Eligibility Requirements (applies to both volunteer opportunities)

• Must be a current high school student 
• Must attend a mandatory orientation (spring orientation date TBD)
• Must have transportation to and from Mote Marine Laboratory campus on Ken Thompson Parkway over the course of the program.
• Must complete a minimum of 16 service hours per semester. Fall semester runs September through December and spring semester runs January through April. 
• Volunteers will be selected on a first come, first serve basis.
• Must be available for one, 4-hour weekend shift per month.
• Shifts are scheduled from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
• Must be positive, dedicated and hard working 
• Be able to stand or sit in Florida sun/heat/rain for lengths of time

Volunteer Opportunities:

Education Department

Mote’s Education department has several positions available for high school volunteers. Volunteers can choose to work with the Community Outreach, Public Programs and the Camps teams. Here’s a brief description of each: 

Community Outreach participates in public events throughout the year such as environmental festivals, school science nights, and other special events. Our volunteers facilitate the tables by sharing information and answering questions.

Public Programs offers a variety of fun, informal programs for families and children both during and outside of Mote Aquarium public hours.  Volunteers assist with programs like our popular Homeschool Days, Birthday Parties, Breakfast with the Sharks, Dip-netting in the Bay and many more.  

Finally, Mote offers immersive winter, spring and summer camps that highlight our world class research and help inspire the next generation of scientists. Camp volunteers assist staff and interns with classroom activities, aquarium/mammal center tours, water activities and boat trips. Shifts are typically on weekends and can range from 3-5 hours.

Interpretation Stations

Mote Aquarium features a variety of exhibits about our research programs and local wildlife. In addition to live animal exhibits, the Aquarium also has interpretation stations intended to engage guests with biofacts and hands-on activities. Volunteers facilitate these stations by sharing information and answering questions. Shifts require a commitment of 4 hours and will be offered on weekends.