10 Marine Biology Internships for High School Students in California
If you’re a high school student curious about marine biology, an internship can give you practical and in-depth insight into the field. These hands-on experiences not only allow students to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of marine science but also provide a significant advantage in the college admissions process. Universities value applicants who take the initiative to deepen their knowledge and actively engage in their chosen disciplines.
Internships offer students a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and its real-world application. Whether it's conducting research on marine ecosystems, participating in fieldwork focused on coastal conservation, or engaging in lab-based studies of marine organisms, these experiences showcase a commitment to academic and professional growth that extends well beyond the classroom. Additionally, such opportunities enable students to develop essential skills, network with professionals in the field, and gain insights into potential career paths.
This blog features 10 exceptional internship opportunities available to students in California keen to explore marine biology and take the first steps toward a career in this exciting field.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Depends on where you live. Thanks to its network of mentors, Hutton can place students from the US, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada within a 45-minute commute of the intern’s home.
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and live and are residents of the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on January 16, 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in November 2024.
Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Stipend: $3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a paid summer internship that offers students the opportunity to delve into the world of fisheries and aquatic science. This 8-week program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is specifically designed to encourage underrepresented groups to explore careers in this field.
As a Hutton Scholar, you'll be paired with a seasoned fisheries professional in your local area who will serve as your mentor. Together, you'll engage in a hands-on learning experience that combines laboratory and field research. You'll have the chance to contribute to vital resource conservation and management projects while gaining invaluable insights into the diverse career paths available within fisheries science. Some potential activities include electrofishing, examining aquatic specimens, data analysis, creating healthy habitats for fish and plants, and educating children about aquatic habitats.
2. Marine Teens Internship at the National History Museum
Location: Natural History Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from the Boyle Heights neighborhood in L.A.
Application Deadline: The 2024 application is now closed. Information about the next application cycle will be available on the website from February 2025.
Dates: Unpaid training in April and May; June 18, 2024 - July 26, 2024 (24 paid work hours per week)
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified) for the summer internship
The competitive Marine Teens Internship at the Natural History Museum accepts only 10 students every year. As an intern, you will begin your training in the spring and officially become a paid intern during the summer when you work on a marine science project. You will have access to the museum's extensive collections and research while receiving mentorship from industry experts.
By the end of the internship, students gain key insights into conservation, outreach, and interpretation and have the opportunity to showcase their projects. The internship also includes excursions and field trips.
3. REEF College Prep Internship by Santa Barbara
Location: Research Experience & Education Facility (REEF), Campus Point Beach, Isla Vista, CA
Eligibility: Students in grades 8-12 residing and studying in Southern California.
Application Deadline: There is no mentioned deadline. Students should email the REEF Program Coordinator at outreach@msi.ucsb.edu.
Dates: No fixed dates; students can decide on dates by speaking to the program coordinator.
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
REEF, UC Santa Barbara’s teaching aquarium, offers an internship program for high school students to gain practical experience in marine biology and science communication within aquarium facilities. During the REEF College Prep Internship, you will work closely with REEF staff and fellow interns, and receive mentorship from faculty and professional marine biologists, gaining valuable insight into the field of marine science.
The program includes formative assessments that will evaluate your progress and development. To participate, students must be in grades 8-12, obtain consent from their parents and institution, and provide a teacher recommendation. Additionally, the internship offers students community service hours, further enriching their overall chances of university admissions.
4. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: San Francisco, CA
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school (check if your school qualifies here).
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math.
- Be able to obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US).
- Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years through high school graduation.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Careers in Science interns get paid above minimum wage.
The Careers in Science internship program is a holistic multi-year and year-round internship opportunity for San Francisco high school students who belong to underrepresented communities in STEM, including girls and persons of color.
This opportunity is perfect for students seeking a long-term and immersive experience in scientific research, environmental action, and professional exposure. Interns commit to working on Saturdays through the school year and on weekends through summer, conducting fieldwork attending interactive trainings, and learning about STEM careers from practicing professionals. Over a period of time, interns are also assigned group research and environmental action projects under an Academy researcher’s supervision, and are also often offered individualized mentorships.
5. Seaside Sustainability Internships
Location: Gloucester, MA | Virtual internship options available
Eligibility: US High school students who can commit to working a minimum of 15 hours a week over a period of 5 months.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines, application form available here.
Dates: All through the year
Stipend: Unpaid, but course credit is available.
Seaside Sustainability offers a dynamic internship program for high school and college students to gain hands-on experience in environmental science and sustainability initiatives. Through this program, interns have the opportunity to work on a wide array of local, regional, and national projects that provide real-world problem-solving experiences, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Interns at Seaside Sustainability are deeply involved in the organization’s decision-making process, with their contributions directly influencing ongoing projects. The internship experience is designed to be flexible, offering remote work opportunities that accommodate any schedule. Seaside Sustainability’s program ensures that interns receive valuable guidance and resources, preparing them to apply their knowledge and skills to their future professional endeavors ranging from research, management, and advisory roles.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates: 8-week program with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: $1990. Financial aid is available.
The Ladder Internship is a highly selective program designed for high school students interested in gaining experience with startups across environmental science and sustainability, healthcare and medicine, technology, and more fields. You can explore the full range of options on their application form.
During the internship, students work on real-world projects and present their findings at the program’s conclusion. Alongside collaborating closely with their startup manager, each intern is paired with a Ladder Coach. This coach acts as an additional mentor and a supportive guide, helping students navigate the startup environment and maximize their internship experience.
As a Ladder Intern, you'll participate in a unique coaching-plus-work model that distinguishes this program from many others.
7. LINC Summer High School Program
Location: San Francisco, CA
Eligibility: Open to High School students in the Bay Area who can commit to attending all program dates.
Application deadline: Usually by March
Dates: Six weeks between June and August
Stipend: All participants receive up to a $2,400 education award.
The Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) program offers a transformative summer experience for high school students interested in community building, service learning, and exploring natural landscapes. This six-week program unites youth from across the Bay Area for diverse outdoor activities centered on service, recreation, team building, and professional development. Participants engage in projects like trail work, habitat restoration, and community cleanups while developing essential skills through resume building, mock interviews, and career panels.
For students interested in marine biology, LINC provides valuable experience in environmental conservation and wildlife monitoring, essential for the field. The program’s overnight camping trips and team-building exercises complement marine biology studies, offering hands-on learning in diverse ecosystems. Participants also gain technical skills in habitat restoration and wildlife observation, building a strong foundation for future careers in marine and environmental sciences.
8. UC Davis Young Scholars Program
Location: UC Davis campus, CA
Eligibility: US students who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program and are rising seniors in school.
Application deadline: 15 March, 2025
Dates: 22 June - 2 August, 2025
Stipend: $6750. Financial waiver and aid options are available.
The UC Davis Young Scholars Program is a prestigious summer residential research opportunity designed to immerse approximately 40 high-achieving high school students in the world of original research across the biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. This six-week program provides participants with a unique chance to work one-on-one with research faculty and groups in state-of-the-art laboratories, allowing them to dive deep into hands-on scientific exploration.
Throughout the program, each student undertakes an individual research project, culminating in a journal-quality paper and a symposium presentation. Beyond scientific research, the program also introduces students to the culture and climate of university life, offering a glimpse into the academic and social experiences they can expect in college. Participants earn five units of University Group Study Credit, with graded assignments that include maintaining research notebooks, writing a research article, and presenting their findings both at a symposium and at their home high schools. This comprehensive program not only fosters academic growth but also prepares students for the rigors of university education and research.
9. ASSIP at George Mason University
Location: Manassas, VA | Virtual and hybrid options available
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 15 years old by the start date of the program for in-person, remote, or hybrid internships in computer labs. For in-person or hybrid "wet-lab" internships, interns must be at least 16 years old by the start date of the program.
Application deadline: Usually in February
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August
Stipend: No stipend available | The $25 application fee can be waived based on financial need.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is a prestigious opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to engage in groundbreaking research across a broad spectrum of scientific fields. Over the course of this eight-week program, participants collaborate with faculty researchers at George Mason University and partner institutions, delving into diverse areas such as biology, environmental science, molecular medicine, and oceanography—critical domains for those passionate about marine biology.
ASSIP is particularly beneficial for students aiming to explore the intersections of marine biology with fields like climate change, evolutionary molecular ecology, and environmental science. Participants not only gain practical experience with state-of-the-art technologies but also refine their scientific writing and communication skills, which are vital for articulating complex marine biology research. The program further enriches students’ understanding through interactions with leading STEM professionals, offering insights into various career paths. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies and careers in marine biology and other related fields.
10. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: UC Santa Barbara campus, CA | Virtual options available
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.80 weighted GPA
Application Deadline: Usually in March | TBA for 2025
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August
Cost: Commuter option – $4975 | Residential option – $11, 874
The UCSB Summer Research Program offers high school students an intensive dive into academic research, dedicating 35-50 hours weekly to working alongside a research mentor (graduate student, postdoc, faculty). This hands-on experience is enriched by university credit through two additional courses: Research Presentation Techniques and Introduction to Research, providing a well-rounded academic opportunity.
One of the program's standout features is its interdisciplinary reach, allowing students to explore a broad range of 24 research areas, including not only marine biology but also earth science, ecology, and environmental policy. Participants can rank their preferred topics and, once assigned, collaborate closely with a graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, or faculty member. This process involves conducting in-depth university-level research and creating research presentations. The program is especially valuable for students eager to enhance their understanding of research practices while gaining university-level experience.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, with a large number of them in tech. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.