Teen Programs
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.
Additional opportunities are available to TCL volunteers who have time to volunteer 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!
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+ 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
- Attend an information meeting (January)
- Interview. If selected, applicants will need to attend one interview session (March).
- Participate in the required two-week training (beginning mid-June)
- Take part in TCL-specific summer events (July – August)
Recruitment for summer 2012 is closed. Applications for summer 2013 will be available in January 2013. For more information, contact
teenprograms@mbayaq.org.
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 (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.