Teen Volunteer Program (TVP)
The Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) offers high school students the opportunity to act as Aquarium Guides at our brand new facility, Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). Aquarium Guides interact with guests to interpret aquarium exhibits and Mote research, as well as facilitate animal encounters. Teen Volunteers will earn service hour credit and be provided with in-depth training covering topics such as marine science, Mote research, interpretation, and public speaking skills.
Students will be provided with continued support and learning opportunities throughout their time in the program. The Teen Volunteer Program also offers the opportunity to connect with fellow students interested in pursuing a career in animal care or marine science.
Please review the eligibility requirements and application process details listed below prior to submitting your application.
TVP Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a current high school student.
- Must have reliable transportation to and from Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at UTC Mall.
- Must complete a minimum of 16 service hours per semester. Fall semester runs September through December and spring semester runs January through April.
- Must be available for at least one 4-hour shift per month.
- Must schedule shifts and record service hours using our online volunteer management platform, VicNet.
- Must be positive, dedicated and hard working.
Application Process
Click HERE to apply. Applications are due January 1st, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Submit an application. Applications include a resume and cover letter. Here are some resources on how to write a resume, as well as how to write a cover letter.
- After we have reviewed applications, you may be invited to participate in an onsite group interview at Mote SEA. Interviews will be conducted at Mote SEA after school and on weekends during the first two weeks of January.
- If offered a position, the onboarding process will include:
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- Completing an online training course
- Attending a mandatory onsite orientation on Thursday, January 22nd from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
- Shadowing an experienced Volunteer Trainer for your first shift.
Please note that we have a limited number of participant spaces available for the Teen Volunteer Program. If you are not offered a position, we encourage you to apply again for a future semester of the Teen Volunteer Program, or to apply for the Summer High School Volunteer Program.
For questions, contact Mote’s Volunteer Coordinator at volcoordinator@mote.org.
Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP)
We will not be onboarding any new volunteers for the 2025 Summer High School Volunteer Program.
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.
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. 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.
Junior Educators in Training (JET) Program
We will not be onboarding any new volunteers for the 2025 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.
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.
- 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.
- Students may participate in either the JET Program or SHSVP, not both.
