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High School Programs

Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP)

Mote Marine Laboratory offers a competitive high school volunteer program for 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. Students will serve as Aquarium Guides and interpret exhibits to guests. Training will be provided.

The Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) will begin on Monday, June 3rd and conclude on Sunday July 28th, for a total of 8 weeks.

Applications for the 2024 Summer High School Volunteer Program are now closed. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for high school students at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium please complete the following interest form to be contacted when high school volunteer opportunities become available. Please note that this is not an application.

HS VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

Eligibility Requirements

The 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 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.
SHSVP volunteers must attend the on-site orientation on May 31st, 2024. The orientation is expected to begin in the morning and conclude with a tour of the aquarium in the mid-afternoon.

Once applications have been processed, applicants will receive information on scheduling an in-person, on-site interview with one of our Volunteer Coordinators. Best of luck to you and we hope to see you this summer here at Mote!

Click here for additional High School Volunteer Opportunities!

Junior Educators in Training (JET)

Mote’s Junior Educator in Training Program (JET) is designed for students who are interested in educating youth and designing engaging lessons about ocean conservation topics.

During this program, Junior Educators in Training (JETs) will work alongside camp staff, college interns, and volunteers to create a fun and inclusive environment for our campers. They will inspire the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and educators by engaging in hands-on activities, mentoring camp participants, and leading by example in the pursuit of ocean research and conservation.

JETs will help with camp activities such as dip netting, snorkeling, games, and crafts. They will help supervise campers at all times during their camp shift.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants in the Junior Educator in Training Program will complete 40 service hours.
- You will sign up for two full weeks of summer camp. They do not have to be consecutive weeks.
- Shifts are 4 hours long, Monday through Friday. Camps begin June 3rd and continue through August 2, 2024.
- There are AM and PM shifts available.
JETs must be entering grades 10 - 12.
Participants must be able to stand, sit, and walk in the sun/heat.
JETs must be comfortable swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Overall, JETs are positive, motivated, and dedicated to educating others about ocean conservation.
JETs must attend the on-site orientation on Saturday May 18th, 2024.
Students may participate in either the JET Program or SHSVP, not both.

Applications for the 2024 Junior Educators in Training (JET) Program have closed.

Teen Volunteer Program (TVP)

The Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) offers students the opportunity to facilitate Interpretation Stations throughout the aquarium, 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. Please review the Eligibility Requirements and additional details listed below prior to submitting your application.

Applications for the Spring 2024 Teen Volunteer Program are now closed. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities for high school students at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium please complete the following interest form to be contacted when high school volunteer opportunities become available. Please note that this is not an application.

HS VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a current high school student.
Must have transportation to and from Mote Marine Laboratory campus on Ken Thompson Parkway.
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.
Must be positive, dedicated and hard working.
Be able to stand or sit in Florida sun/heat/rain for lengths of time.

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