# Teen Conservation Leaders

Monterey Bay Aquarium's summer service-learning program for high schoolers, with tracks in guest interpretation, animal care and engineering, or science communication. Free, community-service hours.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Monterey Bay Aquarium |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Monterey, CA |
| Apply | https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/for-educators/for-teens/teen-programs/teen-conservation-leaders |

## About this program

# Teen Conservation Leaders

Teen Conservation Leaders (TCL) is Monterey Bay Aquarium's summer service-learning program for high school students. Participants develop career and life skills, build confidence, and earn community service hours while supporting the Aquarium's ocean conservation mission on Cannery Row. The summer opens with a week-long training in which new and returning students build community and dig into basic marine biology and ocean conservation topics.

## What You'll Do

- Choose one of three tracks: Guest, Animal Care & Engineering, or Science Communication
- On the Guest track, interpret exhibits and animals for visitors of all ages and backgrounds
- On the Animal Care & Engineering track, help care for near-shore invertebrates and engineer solutions for the animals and the staff who care for them
- On the Science Communication track, run social media accounts for teens worldwide and produce photo and video stories about conservation
- Volunteer three to four days per week across the summer season

## Who Should Apply

Students entering 9th through 12th grade in the fall who are at least 14 years old by the start of training, are eager to learn, and can commit to the full summer schedule including mandatory June training weeks. Selected applicants are invited to in-person interviews in March.

## Outcomes

TCL students finish the summer with documented community-service hours, hands-on experience in aquarium interpretation, husbandry, or science communication, and a place in the Aquarium's teen alumni network, which shares scholarship and career opportunities.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Teen Conservation Leaders?

Teen Conservation Leaders is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Teen Conservation Leaders online or in person?

Teen Conservation Leaders is an in-person program based in Monterey, CA.

### How do I apply to Teen Conservation Leaders?

Apply directly through Monterey Bay Aquarium's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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