Summer Junior Volunteer Program

Interested in a summer of fun and learning? The Aquarium invites high school students ages 15-17 interested in marine biology and aquatic science to apply for the Summer Junior Volunteer Program.

Junior volunteers work closely with Aquarium Educators and experienced volunteers as exhibit interpreters at the Tidal Touch Pool and the Skate and Ray Encounters touch pool. Using Discovery Carts with hands-on bio-facts, Junior Volunteers bring exhibits to life for the Aquarium’s many visitors.

The Junior Volunteer Program gives students an opportunity to explore careers in marine biology and environmental science. During the summer, teens go on field trips to local aquatic attractions and participate in Aquarium Special Activities such as “Night Trek” and “Aquarist Apprentice.” They have a chance to go behind the scenes and learn about animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance.

Junior volunteers are selected through a competitive application and interview process. Applicants should be prepared to commit to a minimum of eight hours per week for seven weeks. Please complete an application and return it to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Download Summer Junior Volunteer Program Information

Download Summer Junior Volunteer Application

Please call the Volunteer Coordinator at 252-247-4003, ext. 286, for more information.

Senior Project Mentoring

The North Carolina Aquarium offers students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to fulfill the requirements for a senior project by applying to work with an Aquarium mentor. The Aquarium staff can offer guidance and support to contribute to the successful completion of senior projects. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Chris Carlin, at 252-247-4003, Ext. 286.

Download Senior Project Mentoring Senior Project Application
Download Senior Project Mentoring Senior Project Guidelines

High School Internships

JobReady Internships — North Carolina’s school-to-work system is a partnership among business, government and educators to help young people prepare to meet the demands of this changing economy. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to combine work-based learning with school-based learning, for those students who wish to gain on-the-job experience. The benefits of the program include personal growth, development of good work habits, awareness of community resources and work experience directly related to the student’s career goal.

The Aquarium is a partner in this program, offering a limited number of unpaid internships each semester of the academic year. Interested students should contact their school guidance offices for more information.

Job Shadowing and Short-term Internships

High school students who need volunteer hours for science classes or other requirements may contact the Volunteer Coordinator to request a short-term internship or job-shadowing experience. The Aquarium offers these opportunities during the school year only. For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Chris Carlin at 252-247-4003, ext. 286.