VolunTEENS

VolunTEENs create lifelong memories while building skills in science communication. Teens engage with guests about conservation and marine science during a 60 hour volunteer commitment on site at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Volunteering provides teens with insight into careers in marine biology, valuable work experience and an opportunity to connect with Aquarium Staff within a cohort of peers who share similar interests.

What do VolunTEENS do?

VolunTEENS are trained to interpret to our guests about the Aquarium, its inhabitants and ecosystem, focusing on experiential learning for guests. From carts educating guests on conservation issues to engaging at touch pool experiences, VolunTEENs gain confidence and public speaking skills while learning about marine life.

Requirements

• Be between the ages of 14–16
• Complete an online application
• Participate in an onsite interview process
• If accepted, must complete mandatory trainings and commit to regular volunteer shifts at the Aquarium of the Pacific (60 hours)
  • Mandatory trainings include an online self-led training and one onsite training day
  • Session training dates listed below (must attend online and onsite training!)
• Digital Liability forms must be signed by both parent/adult and VolunTEEN prior to first onsite shift

Time Commitment:

The VolunTEEN program is a 60 hour program over a 10 week session (Fall, Spring, or Summer). VolunTEEN shift times are from 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

• Spring/Fall Session:
  • Weekends Only—Saturday & Sunday 9:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Summer Session:
  • 7 Days a Week—Monday–Sunday 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

If accepted into the program, VolunTEENs will be assigned to ONE day a week (reoccurring day for duration of session).

VolunTEEN Programming 2025

Spring 2025

• December 1, 2024: Applications Open
• January 5: Applications Close
• January 11–12: Interviews
• January 18–19: Onsite Training
• January 25–26: Self-guided online training
• February 1–April 5: Weekly Shifts (Weekends only)
  Please note, we will NOT have VolunTEEN shifts during 2/15–2/16
• April 6: Family Night (Program Completion Ceremony)

Summer 2025

• March 14: Applications Open
• April 20: Applications Close
• May 3, 4, 10, or 11: Interviews
• May 17, 18, 24, 25: Self-guided online training
• May 31, June 1, 7, 8: Onsite Training
• June 14–August 3: Weekly Shifts (7 days a week)
• August 10: Family Night (Program Completion Ceremony)

To Apply

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

• A Short 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! Each of these items must be uploaded to your online application.

Application

Volunteer Application