Our summer program for high school students gives young people a chance to learn about marine animals and environments, aquarium operations, and careers in marine science and related fields.

Summer interns spend anywhere from two to five weeks in the aquarium, working approximately 30 hours per week with the professional staff to care for our collection of marine animals from New England waters. Interns are trained to serve as assistant naturalists on public shoreside collecting walks. Summer interns also participate in the Careers in Marine Science Seminar, a series of meetings with scientists, hands-on activities, tours of laboratories, and field trips to other aquariums.

The WHSA values diversity. We accept interns from various academic backgrounds, from different parts of the country, from rural, urban and suburban communities. We especially encourage applications from students under-represented in marine sciences – this includes African American, Cape Verdean, Hispanic, and Native American students. Interns must have finished the 10th grade and be at least 16 years old on the first day of their program.

Our program is limited by space: we are able to host 5-10 high school interns plus several college interns. You can see previous intern classes and learn a bit about their experiences by viewing the class posters.

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The program began in 2002 and has evolved to include two components: (1) a two-week Careers in Science Seminar and (2) an animal husbandry internship that may last anywhere from one-to-five weeks. We announce program details in January or February by posting a program description and an application form on this site.

We also keep a “To Notify” list. Anyone who asks to be on the list will get an e-mail in January or February when we announce the following summer’s program.