We have a few different options for high school students to get involved by volunteering at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium! See below for more information on each of our high school volunteer opportunities.
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 two 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 Fall 2024 Teen Volunteer Program have now closed, as we have reached capacity. Add your name to our interest list to be notified when the Spring 2024 Teen Volunteer Program application opens in December.
For students participating in the Fall 2024 Teen Volunteer Program, remember to complete your online orientation materials by Monday, September 2nd. Our mandatory in-person orientation will take place onsite on Saturday, September 7th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
More Information
TVP 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.
TVP 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.
- Camp Programs are offered on various days throughout the year, as well as for weeklong opportunities during school breaks and summer. These are immersive 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 and school breaks.
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.
Applications will remain open until mid-March, unless the program has been filled before that time.
More Information
SHSVP Eligibility Requirements
- The SHSVP is open to 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 have graduated 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 Friday May 31st, 2024. The orientation is expected to begin in the morning and conclude with a tour of the aquarium in the mid-afternoon.
- Students may participate in either the SHSVP or JET program, not both.
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!
Junior Educators in Training (JET) Program
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.
More Information
JET 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 are due on March 22nd. After your application has been processed, we will be reaching out to schedule an interview with you. Interviews will be conducted in early April.
