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Teen Science Cafe Volunteer

The Aquarium’s Teen Science Café is an informal learning program promoting exploration, stewardship, and scientific inquiry.

Six Teen Science Cafe Volunteers pose confidently in front of Pacific Visions blue glass wall

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Application closed

The Science Café team plans and develops a talk or casual learning program along with Aquarium professionals. The talks are designed to help scientists connect with local teens about the science and technology changing their world and discover new opportunities for ocean stewardship. Teen Science Café programs engage scientists and the public in conversation on interesting current topics in a highly social setting. By specifically connecting teens to scientists, students will work to help create an interactive and highly engaging learning experience.

Tasks

  • Plan and execute a successful Aquarium of the Pacific Teen Science Café
  • Participants will be responsible for outlining topics and concepts related to ocean science and stewardship.
  • Market and promote these events across traditional and social media platforms
  • Work with scientists to develop an engaging and interactive event where scientists communicate effectively with teens.
  • Organize and coordinate locations for science cafés to occur
  • Contribute to event planning, logistics, and organization
  • Work as a team to produce an engaging science experience
  • Reflect on best practices after the session to further develop future Teen Science Café events

Time Commitment

  • Sundays from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 pm

Skill Requirements

  • Able to work independently and in groups
  • Highly Organized
  • Creative
  • Communicative
  • Interested in ocean sciences and stewardship
  • Scientifically Minded
  • Possesses Leadership Qualities

Training

Participants will attend a training class and work in groups to accomplish the tasks assigned.

Supervision

Participants will report to the Youth & Family Volunteer Coordinator each week.

Benefits

Participants will gain leadership skills, and have the opportunity work directly with scientists. Recognition for hours of service; complimentary 4 tickets awarded upon completion of the program; discounts at Pacific Collections & Café Scuba; discounted tickets and memberships; free parking while volunteering; all other benefits described in the volunteer handbook; and, participation in a lively and interactive department.

To Apply

To submit a complete application you will need the following items:

  • A digital copy of your school transcripts
  • One Letter of Reference:
    The recommender should not be a person related to you. We recommend that you select someone who can speak to your interest in science or marine life. Feel free to have them write an individual statement.
  • A Personal Statement:
    Tell us in 300 to 400 words, why we should select you for this program. You should include personal attributes that will benefit the Aquarium and what you hope to gain from the experience. You are urged to be creative; let your personality show. Your essay must be double-spaced and in a legible font such as Arial, Tahoma or Times Roman.

Each of these items must be uploaded to your online application.

Applications are currently closed for this program.

Six Teen Science Cafe volunteers in a welcoming fun pose

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Two Five masked, uniformed, female, Teen Science Cafe volunteers give presentation at a podium in front of a large screen in a theater.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Five masked, uniformed, female, Teen Science Cafe volunteers pose with a Magellanic penguin in a mobile cart with acrylic walls.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Group of teen volunteers pose in front of the Pacific Visions building with sun behind

Volunteering at the Aquarium

The Aquarium owes much of its success to our dedicated and committed volunteer staff. You can be part of that story by joining our team in one of the many volunteer or intern programs that we offer throughout the Aquarium.

Aquarium Discounts

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