15 Marine Biology Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 48 minutes ago
- 12 min read
If you are a high school student looking to explore your interests, academic programs can help you discover subjects that interest you while developing important skills. These programs provide structured learning environments where you can study topics in greater depth, apply classroom knowledge to practical settings, and connect with peers and mentors who share your curiosity. Whether you are interested in research, fieldwork, or environmental science, such programs encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving while exposing you to professional and academic pathways.
Why should you attend a marine biology program?
Marine biology programs allow you to study ocean ecosystems, marine species, and conservation practices through guided research and field activities. You will learn to use marine equipment and develop skills in identifying marine species, data collection, and environmental stewardship while participating in activities alongside marine biologists, oceanographers, research scientists, and other experts. In these programs, you will gain opportunities to work in a professional environment and build a network with mentors and peers who share your passion for marine conservation.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 marine biology programs for high school students.
If you are looking for marine biology internships, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote; you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type, with full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 1:1 student to mentor ratio
Program Dates: Varies by cohort – summer, fall, winter, or spring; options range from 12 weeks to one year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
High school students who are keen to pursue a summer research program in marine biology could consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, which pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. The rigorous program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high school student. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Your school/local community + monthly virtual meetings
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary, January – December
Application Deadline: January 4
Eligibility: Youth ages 13 – 18; must live in the U.S. or U.S. territories
Through the Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, high school students participate in a year-long ocean conservation and stewardship program. The diverse range of learning modules includes awareness of the National Marine Sanctuary System and threats to the ocean, and participating in Earth Day activities, among others. You will take the initiative to lead a project or event at your school or in your own community, taking support from NOAA staff to plan and implement it while filling in details in an activity book. Earlier cohorts created rain gardens to conserve water, made environmental literacy presentations, organized beach cleanups, and the like. You will gain opportunities to develop stewardship and leadership skills through training sessions, including public speaking and event planning, as well as networking opportunities with NOAA scientists and other experts.
Location: Any safe and legal sampling site across the U.S.
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Can be done individually or in a group
Program Dates: Rolling (twice a month)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students are eligible, including homeschoolers; should have access to a computer and a basic light microscope; commitment to at least a year preferred
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)'s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) program provides opportunities for high school students to volunteer for the protection of marine environments against potentially harmful phytoplankton. You will receive in-person/online training on marine and freshwater monitoring procedures and how to identify phytoplankton. You will then visit a local sampling site and check the waters for potential harmful algal blooms, uploading the relevant data and photos online. A PMN regional coordinator will provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Location: Multiple regional locations, primarily in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Monterey Bay
Cost: Small joining fee for the school/ environmental education group; equipment loan, fee waivers, and transportation scholarships available for public schools that serve students facing barriers to science and coastal spaces
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Class of 35 students
Program Dates: As decided by the school's science educator, with fall, winter, spring, and summer cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: K-8 students, high school students, and undergraduates led by a science educator
High school students who are keen to pursue an educational program in marine biology could consider LiMPETS (Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students), a citizen science program to monitor California's coastal ecosystems. You will enhance your understanding of the ocean, develop observation skills, and learn data collection methods. There are two types of programs - the Sandy Beach Monitoring Program for students in grades 6 through college and the Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Program, which is for high school students in grades 9 through college. Led by your school educator with support from LiMPETS scientists, you will volunteer to observe the biology in rocky intertidal and sandy beach ecosystems and upload the data online. A LiMPETS science educator will teach you the relevant protocols and how to identify species. Earlier cohorts have collected data on Pacific mole crabs, sea stars, and more!
Location: Regional opportunities/Alaska
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: March – late May (spring) and August – late November (fall); dates vary at the monitoring site based on ice and weather conditions
Application Deadline: Varies as per season
Eligibility: Must be local Alaskan residents and at least 18 years of age unless accompanied by an adult guardian; should be willing to commit to monitor a minimum of three sessions throughout the season (about a six-hour commitment in total)
The Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program (AKBMP) is a voluntary community science program to learn about Cook Inlet belugas and their conservation needs through shore-based observational data collection. You will be trained using standardized protocols and work as a citizen scientist under the guidance of an experienced lead observer. You will gather data on beluga distribution and their seasonal habitat use in the rivers and streams that flow into Cook Inlet. You will also collect data on environmental conditions such as the state of the sea, sighting and weather conditions, and the presence of humans, such as fishing, ship activities, construction, and other marine mammals. You will gain opportunities to build working relationships with professional scientists and contribute to marine mammal research and management activities.
Location: Wanchese, NC
Stipend: A few internships may be paid based on the availability of research grants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary with spring, summer, and fall cohorts (typically 3-4 months)
Application Deadline: October 15 (spring), March 15 (summer), June 15 (fall)
Eligibility: Rising freshmen through rising seniors; undergraduates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and at least one semester of study remaining after the internship before they earn their degree, are also eligible
High school students keen on exploring careers in marine biology and ecology could consider a semester-long internship with the Coastal Studies Institute. You can intern in a research lab or work with the education and outreach team. Earlier cohorts have interned in the fields of ocean observation, estuary processes, science journalism, and other areas. You will gain a diverse range of professional skills, such as using a microscope, Plankton nets to collect water samples, and more. You will build networking opportunities with researchers, scientists, and professionals such as oceanographers, scientific journalists, horticulturists, and geologists.
Location: East Boothbay, Maine
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 16
Program Dates: May 17 – May 22
Application Deadline: Mid-April (applications typically open in January)
Eligibility: Maine home-schooled, public, and private high school juniors who are interested in ocean or environmental science
The Keller BLOOM (Bigelow Laboratory Orders Of Magnitude) Program provides you with immersive learning opportunities to explore careers in marine biology in the niche area of ocean science research of the local marine environment. You will take field samples, work on lab research, analyze data, and participate in other activities during the one-week program. You will gain opportunities to utilize oceanographic equipment on a research cruise, learn lab techniques, and participate in discussions with research scientists on a diverse range of scientific topics. You will also attend sessions to explore undergraduate marine science programs in Maine. At the end of the program, you will showcase your research work and share the experiences you had in the program.
Location: The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA, with some events offsite/ Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: September 28 – May 31
Application Deadline: September 1
Eligibility: Teens ages 15 – 17 years
Aquarium of the Pacific's Teen Science Café is a student-led, voluntary program for teens to gain an immersive learning experience in marine biology and its associated fields. You will attend an online training course and onsite training sessions with Aquarium staff and peer volunteers. You will plan and organize interactive talk events by marine scientists and create hands-on interactive activities for guests in collaboration with your peers. Earlier cohorts have worked on events where scientists have presented information on shark eating habits, how noise pollution affects whale communications, challenges faced by researchers in deep ocean waters, and the like. You will gain professional skills in scientific communication, environmental stewardship, public speaking skills, and marketing, among others. You will also build networking opportunities with scientists across diverse disciplines, such as ocean conservation and marine biology.
Location: The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts in fall (dates TBD - weekends only), spring (February 7 – March 29 - weekends only), and summer (June 20 – August 14 - 7 days a week)
Application Deadline: January 2 (spring), April 15 (summer), fall TBD
Eligibility: Teens ages 14 – 16; should commit to 60 hours of volunteer shifts
The Aquarium of the Pacific's VolunTEEN program provides you with professional work experience in marine science and conservation while learning about marine life and the Pacific Ocean. You will lead guests through the Aquarium's interactive exhibits and activities, conveying information on its inhabitants and ecosystem, and participate in hands-on community science opportunities. You will gain key skills in exhibit interpretation, science communication, public speaking, and research. At the end of the program, you will make a presentation of your experience and a literary research project. You will also gain the opportunity to take on the role of a VolunTEEN Mentor for incoming VolunTEENS and become a community leader to spread awareness of ocean conservation.
Location: Mote Science Education Aquarium, Sarasota, FL
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary, January – May (spring), September – December (fall)
Application Deadline: January 1 (spring), fall - TBD
Eligibility: Current high school students; must commit to a minimum of 16 service hours/semester with at least one 4-hour shift/month; should have reliable transportation to and from the Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium's Teen Volunteer Program (TVP) provides high school students with opportunities to explore careers in animal care or marine science as Aquarium Guides at the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). You will participate in an online training course and an on-site orientation and shadow a volunteer trainer on your first shift. You will also attend at least three volunteer general meetings each year. You will interact with Aquarium guests at various stations, such as shark science and coral conservation, and the research work done by the Mote Marine Lab. You will also assist staff in animal encounters and earn service hour credit for your volunteer work. Through this program, you will gain knowledge on marine science topics and develop public speaking skills.
Location: Virtual/Hybrid based on course
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies based on the type of program (starts at $1,500)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Vary, with winter, spring, and summer cohorts
Application Deadline: January 23 (winter), March 13 (spring), May 30 (summer)
Eligibility: Grades 9 – 12 (check age criterion for each course)
UC San Diego Marine Science Programs offer a diverse range of tiered courses for high school students in grades 9 to 12. In the first-tier courses, you will learn the basic concepts of ocean science, coral reef ecology, and how environmental changes impact the oceans. The second-tier courses provide hands-on research experiences on diverse topics such as fisheries science and thermal biology, among others, under the mentorship of science professionals and graduate students at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). On completing the Tier 2 course, you can pursue a Tier 3 course, which focuses on critical data interpretation and scientific literacy, to hone your research skills.
Location: Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 140+ across the Puget Sound region
Program Dates: Vary, with school-year sessions - January – June (new participants) and October – June (returning participants); summer session - June – early September
Application Deadline: October (typically interest forms are open in May)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9 – 12 in a high school/Running Start/GED/homeschool program at the time of application; commit to complete at least eight volunteer activities
The Seattle Aquarium Youth Ocean Advocates program is an opportunity for high school students to explore a career in marine biology by participating in ocean conservation and other activities. You can volunteer in three types of programs – Tides, to gain exposure about marine sciences and attend guest speaker sessions on marine conservation as well as local events; Currents, in which you will interpret exhibits to guests, attend classes on marine scientific research, and undertake tours of other institutions; and Breakers (which you can enroll for on completing a Currents program) in which you will work with peers on a group project in a specific area of interest. You will interact with conservation professionals and marine researchers, participate in conservation projects such as beach cleanups, and enhance professional skills through training sessions and activities.
Location: New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The information is not available
Program Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students are eligible; must be at least 16 years old; should commit to one half day onsite and approximately two hours of remote virtual training/week for three months
As a New England Aquarium's Conservation Education volunteer, you will be conveying educational information to Aquarium visitors on the exhibits and inhabitants with station-specific responsibilities, such as the penguin colony, shark and ray touch tank, and the like. You will acquire knowledge about corals, dwarf seahorses, turtles, and other diverse types of aquatic life and gain professional development opportunities while collaborating with a team or working independently. In the program, you will learn to use interactive learning tools, develop customer service skills, and build meaningful relationships within the Aquarium community. You will also participate in activities to create awareness about ocean conservation.
Location: On board a sailing vessel at various locations based on program type
Cost/Stipend: The information is not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Based on the type of sailing trip
Program Dates: Vary, with sailing trips of different durations and based on the season
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students led by an educator
High school students keen to have immersive offshore research experiences in marine biology could consider getting on board a sailing vessel through the Project Oceanology educational programs. You can also participate in optional activities in data analysis labs or in your classroom. Based on the type of research trip, you will study living organisms, assist in census seals, participate in water chemistry activities, monitor the activities of seagulls, and the like. You will learn to use oceanographic equipment, field chemistry kits, nautical charts, haul trawling nets, and more as applicable to your trip.
Location: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS
Cost/Stipend: Camp fee starts at $65 per day; deposit fee and additional fees for vessel booking/chaperone/special activities as applicable
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Minimum 15 – maximum 100 participants/group
Program Dates: Vary, August – May
Application Deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: Grade 4 upward
The University of Southern Mississippi's Marine Education Center hosts Coastal Science Camps that provide hands-on learning experiences in marine biology. You will participate in activities focused on coastal habitats, learn behavioral aspects of marine plants and animals, and assist in research work at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL). During the two-day camps, which include onshore and offshore sailing trips, you can observe dolphins, collect water samples, trawl for marine organisms, and conduct lab research. You will develop key skills such as collecting and interpreting data, learning how to use lab instruments such as microscopes and on-board marine equipment such as seines, sieves, and nets, and the like. You’ll also have the option to perform dissections of specific marine species.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador logo