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.
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.
Our 2023 Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) is currently accepting applications.
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 attend the on-site orientation on June 3rd, 2023. 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.
- WHEN: Our Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) will begin on Monday, June 5th and conclude on Sunday July 30th, for a total of 8 weeks..
- APPLICATION: To apply for the 2023 SHSVP, click HERE.
- WHAT’S NEXT: Once your application has been processed, you 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)
Looking for a way to gain hands-on education experience? Look no further! Mote’s Junior Educator in Training (JET) program is back for Summer Camp 2023. High school students will have the opportunity to work alongside Mote’s education team leading our interactive, marine-based science camp!
Junior Educator’s will be responsible for assisting Mote educators during classroom programs, water activities, field experiences, and aquarium visits and providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment for Mote campers.
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 5th - August 4th
- Shifts are either 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 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
Mandatory orientation date: Saturday, June 3rd, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 31st. Interviews will take place in April, and selected applicants will be notified in early May.
Please contact the Program Coordinator at camps@mote.org or 941-388-4441 ext. 164 for more information.
Teen Volunteer Program (TVP)
Applications for Fall 2023 will open mid-summer.
We are excited to announce a new opportunity for high school students at Mote! 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.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a current high school student.
- Must attend a mandatory orientation.
- 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.
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.
