VolunTEENS

Are you ready to make a difference? The VolunTEEN program is for teen volunteers ages 14–16 who are interested in discovering more about ocean science, leadership, and conservation.

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 2026

Summer 2026

March 1: Applications Open
April 15: Applications Close
May 2, 3, 9, or 10: Interviews
May 30- 31 and June 6 -7: Onsite Training
June 13 – August 7: Weekly Shifts (7 days a week)
August 9: Family Night (Program Completion Ceremony)

Fall 2026

June 20th: Applications Open
August 5th: Applications Close
August 22nd-23rd: Onsite Interviews
September 12th - 13th: Mandatory Onsite Training Part 1 (Saturday OR Sunday)
September 19th - 20th: Mandatory Onsite Training Part 2 (Saturday OR Sunday)
September 26th - November 22nd: Weekly Shifts (Weekends Only)
December 6th: Family Night (Program Completion Ceremony)

Application

Volunteer Application

Group of volunteers pose together in a classroom

Get to know the Aquarium and your fellow VolunTEENs during training. Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

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.