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 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 Fall 2023 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.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a current high school student.
- Must attend a mandatory orientation on Saturday, September 9th.
- 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.
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.
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 for the 2023 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.
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.
