Marine Biology Internships for High School Students: Dive into Your Future

Are you a high school student with a passion for the ocean and marine life? Marine biology internships offer an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore potential career paths, and contribute to the understanding and conservation of marine ecosystems. These programs provide immersive learning experiences under the guidance of dedicated professionals, allowing you to delve into the breathtaking secrets of the ocean, from bioluminescent creatures to vibrant coral reefs.

Why Pursue a Marine Biology Internship in High School?

Participating in a marine biology internship during high school offers numerous benefits:

Hands-on Experience: Apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, a skill highly valued by college admissions officers.
Career Exploration: Narrow down your future career and academic paths by gaining real-world experience in your field of interest.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and leading industry figures, building a valuable network for future opportunities and references.
Commitment Showcase: Demonstrate your commitment to marine biology to college admissions officers, increasing your chances of acceptance to your dream school.

Featured Marine Biology Internships for High School Students

Here's a curated list of marine biology internships for high school students, offering diverse experiences and opportunities to explore different aspects of the field:

1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Description: An eight-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society.
Location: Matches students with a fisheries professional near their hometown (within a 45-minute commute).
Stipend: \$3,000 for eight weeks.
Eligibility: High school students residing in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Application Deadline: February 14.
Program Dates: June to August (depends on the Scholar's schedule).
Acceptance Rate: Selective (approximately 12%).
Activities: Mentored by a fisheries professional, conducting laboratory and field research in marine or freshwater science, learning about career opportunities, electrofishing, examining specimens, data processing, and establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats. Includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit at the University of Arkansas.

2. Everglades Eco-Explorers Internship

Location: Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: Students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in an eligible Broward County public high school.
Application Deadline: August 29
Description: The Everglades Eco-Explorers Internship is a paid program offering biology internships for high school students passionate about environmental education and sustainability. Hosted by the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS), this experience blends field-based learning with workforce development training aimed at building life skills essential for future success.
Activities: Collect water samples, test water quality, and use dip and seine nets to identify freshwater and saltwater species. You'll also practice identifying native plants and animals using field guides, giving you real-world exposure to Florida’s diverse natural infrastructure and resilience challenges. You’ll work at MODS, leading Everglades-themed tours, helping with STEMobile events, and engaging museum guests, all while gaining valuable communication and professional skills.

3. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote.
Cost: Starting at \$2,490 (financial aid available).
Eligibility: High school students who can commit 10-20 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective.
Description: Ladder Internships offers an exciting opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience with high-growth start-ups in a variety of industries. Whether you're interested in AI/ML, health tech, environmental science, marketing, or more, Ladder connects interns with start-ups that are scaling quickly, many raising over a million dollars in funding.
Activities: Working remotely for 10-20 hours a week over 8-12 weeks, collaborating directly with company managers and mentors on real-world projects, and presenting findings at the end of the internship. Receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout the internship.

4. Dolphin Research Center Internships

Location: Dolphin Research Center, Florida.
Stipend: Unpaid.
Eligibility: Open to all applicants (no college enrollment required); must be able to read, speak, and understand English; must meet physical requirements (ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in Florida’s climate).
Application Deadlines: Winter Term: October 1, Summer Term: February 1, Fall Term: June 1.
Program Dates: 16-18 weeks, with three terms: Winter (January - April), Summer (May - August), Fall (September - December).
Acceptance Rate: Limited availability.
Description: Provides valuable career skills and a behind-the-scenes look at how a marine mammal facility operates.
Activities: Assist with daily operations in specific departments (Animal Care and Training, Education, Information Technologies, Medical, Research, and Visual Communications), work closely with professionals in these departments, pursue supplemental projects based on skills and interests, and have the opportunity to pursue independent study goals. Expected to work 40 hours per week.

5. Indian River County Junior Scientist Fellows Program

Location: FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, FL.
Stipend: Paid
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in the School District of Indian River County.
Application Deadline: Mid-August; Specific dates will be provided by FAU Harbor Branch.
Cohort Size: 15 students
Description: Dive into hands-on environmental research with the Indian River County Junior Scientist Fellows Program, a unique opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in Indian River County. This program, in partnership with FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the Indian River Land Trust, provides biology internships for high school students that are focused on land conservation and preserving the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the nation.
Activities: Collaborate with university faculty to conduct research projects at the Coastal Oaks Preserve, contributing valuable data to land management strategies. You’ll explore issues facing local ecosystems, focusing on the lagoon’s health and resilience. Present your findings at FAU’s annual Indian River Lagoon Symposium.

6. MarineLab High School Internship

Location: MarineLab, Key Largo, FL.
Stipend: \$15/hour.
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school; Monroe County residents; must be strong swimmers and interested in the marine science field and working with children.
Application Deadline: March 1.
Program Dates: June 1 - July 31.
Acceptance Rate: Selective.
Description: Offers high school students the chance to assist instructors in delivering immersive marine science education through snorkeling field trips, camp activities, and educational programs.
Activities: Assisting with field trips, lab activities, and maintaining the facility and equipment; supporting the Summer Camp program by helping with lab setups, facilitating games, and supporting maintenance tasks.

7. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Steidinger Scholars Program

Location: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), Florida.
Stipend: \$15/hour.
Eligibility: Recent or expected high school graduates or new college students (1-2 years of study); 18+ by program start; women and students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: March, typically.
Program Dates: May - August (Fall/winter opportunities may be available).
Acceptance Rate: Selective.
Description: Designed for students interested in gaining direct, meaningful experience in wildlife research and conservation.
Activities: Working directly with FWRI scientists, contributing to projects that support the conservation and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources, gaining experience in fieldwork, laboratory research, and office-based tasks, and participating in valuable training and career development activities.

8. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 'Your Shores' Program

Location: South Florida (Biscayne Bay, Miami Beaches, Florida’s Coral Reef).
Stipend: \$1000.
Eligibility: Miami-Dade County Public Schools students in grades 9-12; 16-year-old students enrolled in Frost Science’s Upward Bound Math and Science Program (UBMS); Non-UBMS students may apply if willing to join UBMS.
Application Deadline: Open.
Program Dates: September 23 - May 25 (Saturdays only).
Cohort Size: Approximately 65 students.
Description: Brings together passionate high school students to explore and restore South Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on Biscayne Bay, Miami’s beaches, and Florida’s Coral Reef.
Activities: Dive into scientific research, survey reef fish, work on coral nursery projects, care for native plants, contribute to wildlife photography for science, learn essential restoration techniques for coastal habitats, earn PADI Open Water scuba certification at no cost, receive mentorship from museum staff, and get college readiness support.

9. High School Summer Marine Biology Program - NSLC

Location: University of Miami, Miami, FL.
Cost: \$4,295 (residential); Scholarship available (over \$500,000 in scholarships each year).
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10-12.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis.
Acceptance Rate: Low to medium selectivity.
Description: This immersive pre-college experience gives high school students the opportunity to explore marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, and hands-on science through cutting-edge labs and dissection workshops. It’s the perfect introduction to a career in marine biology and environmental conservation.
Activities: Studying in university classrooms, living on campus with roommates, and navigating the daily routines of college life.

10. Seacamp's Marine Science Program

Location: Seacamp, Big Pine Key, Florida.
Cost: Varies; scholarships are available.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12.
Application Deadline: Opens on December 1.
Program Dates: 1-2 weeks in the summer (dates vary).
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity.
Description: Offers a hands-on, immersive experience for campers of all levels who are passionate about marine environments.
Activities: Engaging in interactive field studies, ranging from labs and kayaking to boat trips and snorkeling, all designed to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems. Includes 21-hour courses in Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, boat trips on Seacamp’s triple-hull flattop boats, and guest speakers sharing their current research and environmental efforts.

11. University of Miami Summer Scholars Program - Exploration Sciences Track

Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Cost/Stipend: Starts at \$8,144
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th grade students.
Application Deadline: Typically in early March.
Acceptance Rate: Low to medium selectivity.
Description: If you want to jumpstart your college experience and earn six college credits while diving deep into the marine sciences, then the University of Miami Summer Scholars Program’s Exploration Sciences Track is for you.
Activities: Spend three weeks on campus at the University of Miami as a Summer Scholar and choose one academic specialty and take two courses that combine lectures, labs, guest speakers, and real-world fieldwork. You’ll take courses like Marine Animal Biology and Conservation, Oceanography and Marine Environments, and Tropical Marine Biology.

Additional Opportunities

Beyond the highlighted internships, numerous other programs and resources can help high school students explore marine biology:

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Student Opportunities: Offers various educational opportunities, including internships, fellowships, and scholarships.
Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP): A 10-week summer intern program for undergraduate and graduate STEM majors.
Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP): An 8-week paid internship for high school students interested in science and engineering.
Lumiere Research Scholar Program: A selective online high school program for students interested in doing university-level research in marine biology.
Aquarium Internships: Many aquariums offer internships for high school students, providing experience in animal care, education, and research. Examples include the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Aquarium and Long Island Aquarium.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering at local aquariums, marine research centers, or conservation organizations can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

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