Teen Programs

Student Guide Program

This exciting program provides on-the-job training for students ages 14 to 17 who are interested in careers in science, education and/or public relations. Student Guides answer questions, give directions, and interpret the Aquarium's animals and exhibits to the general public.

Student Guides interact with existing experienced Aquarium guides as well as visitors from around the world. They learn a lot about marine biology, get community service hours, meet new friends and have a chance to practice their public speaking skills. Being a student guide also looks great on job applications!

Student Guides and a parent or guardian must attend an information meeting in February. Students selected for the program are notified by April 1. Student Guides must participate in a week-long training session at the beginning of the summer and commit to volunteer one day a week through June and July. The summer component ends by August 1, but students may continue to volunteer until school starts and may be eligible to apply to the year-round program.

Student Oceanography Club

This club serves middle school students from all over central California who are committed to learning about ocean conservation. Club members meet twice a month, both out in the field and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to learn about marine biology, oceanography and the conservation of local habitats.

Some of the events include kayaking the bay, snorkeling, participating in restoration projects and hearing from prominent local researchers. Students are committed to taking what they are learning about conservation and applying it to their daily lives through year long conservation projects. The club is currently full and has a waiting list.

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.

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.