Teen Programs

Student Guide Program

Teen Conservation Leaders

Teen Conservation Leaders (TCLs) provide important volunteer service to the Aquarium, our guests and our communities. Students learn basic marine biology and ocean conservation during a fun, intensive two-week summer training. TCL volunteers then provide exhibit interpretation for our guests, support our summer camp programs or assist our teacher institutes. In the process, students develop important job and life skills, build self-confidence and earn community service hours. Regular conservation experiences connect students with local scientists and ocean conservation experts.

TCL applicants select and will be accepted into one of three tracks—Guest Track, Camp Track or Teacher Track.

Guest Track

Participants hone interpretation skills and provide enriching guest experiences. Students will become intimately familiar with Aquarium stories and animals and share their passion for conservation with guests. Applicants should have an interest in talking with visitors of all ages.

Time commitment: Two consecutive days each week for eight-hour shifts (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) June 24-August 11, 2012. Students select one of the following day pairings: Sunday/Monday, Tuesday/Wednesday or Friday/Saturday. (No Guest Track on Thursdays.)

Camp Track

Students mentor middle school participants in the Aquarium's Young Women in Science (YWS) camps. TCLs will learn how to lead games and group activities. YWS is conducted bilingually in English and Spanish. Applicants must be female and should have an interest in working with younger students and building a multicultural community. Bilingual skills are not necessary but highly desirable.

Time commitment: Five consecutive eight-hour shifts (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) June 25-29 and July 16-20, 2012.

Teacher Track

Participants assist program delivery for two teacher institutes. They help set up labs, tour teachers through Aquarium exhibits, help them learn more about coastal habitats and assist in the use of technology (mobile hardware and web-based software). Applicants should be comfortable working with technology and be interested in sharing science and conservation ideas with teachers.

Time commitment: Five consecutive eight-hour shifts (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) from Group A (July 9-13 and July 23-27), OR Group B (June 25-29, July 20 and July 30-August 3, 2012).

Student volunteers applying should:
  • Be at least 14 years old and/or enrolled in high school for the following school year
  • Demonstrate an eagerness to learn and to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Be proficient in English and comfortable with science terms
  • Be willing and available to volunteer 100-plus hours during the summer in one of three tracks
  • Volunteer for eight-hour days (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) as assigned in one of three tracks
  • Submit an application by February 3, 2012 (online preferred)
  • Submit a Teacher Recommendation Form PDF by February 3, 2012

Important dates:
  • Attend an information meeting (call or text (831) 917-1493 if lost or need directions):
    • January 12 at 6:00 p.m. (Salinas High School, Geil Street teacher parking lot, Salinas),
    • January 12 at 6:00 p.m. (Watsonville Public Library, Main Street, Watsonville)
    • January 14, 1:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. (Discovery Labs, Monterey Bay Aquarium). Call or text (831) 917-1493 if lost or need directions.
  • Potential interview dates. If selected, applicants will need to attend one interview session on: March 17, March 18 or March 21
  • Required two-week training: Monday-Friday, June 11-22 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (no session will be longer than eight hours)
  • TCL-specific summer events: July 5, July 12, August 3, August 18

Applications for summer 2012 are now available. For more information, contact teenprograms@mbayaq.org.

Additional opportunities are available to TCL volunteers who have time during the school year. Students can assist in special events at the Aquarium, support a variety of education programs or interpret exhibits for guests. Volunteers cultivate lasting relationships with their peers, adult volunteers and Aquarium staff. No matter which of these adventures students choose, they'll take home memories of a lifetime!


Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats

Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats (W.A.T.C.H.)

This year-long program begins in the summer and extends throughout the school year. During the 3 week summer component students explore the Pajaro River Watershed, meet with local scientists and participate in inquiry-based learning. They also learn about environmental issues in their community and participate in local restoration efforts.

During the school year, the same students that participated in the summer portion of the program develop their own project based on an environmental topic. Students will work during the school day, after school, and independently to complete their projects. They work with Aquarium staff and teachers, as well as scientists and educators from the community to complete their projects. Upon completion of the projects, students receive a scholarship and community service hours needed for graduation.

For more information, contact us at teenprograms@mbayaq.org.


Young Women in Science

Young Women in Science (YWS)

This week-long, summer day-camp is designed to get young women excited about and involved in science, the ocean and conservation. Through a variety of hands-on field activities, we strive to increase their knowledge and to spark a personal connection with the natural world that will lead them to become future stewards of the ocean. Kids get the opportunity to explore ocean habitats by joining in activities such as surface scuba diving, boogie boarding and kayaking.

We aim to serve young women regardless of primary language or economic background. We offer three camps in the summer that are conducted in both English and Spanish. Young women entering grades 6, 7 or 8, who reside in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, are eligible to apply.

For more information, contact us at teenprograms@mbayaq.org.