# Youth Exhibit Guide Program

National Aquarium's summer volunteer program in Baltimore for students rising into grade 10 and up: marine science training plus 12 guest-facing shifts. $40 materials fee, scholarships available.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Aquarium |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | $40 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Apply | https://aqua.org/education/programs/youth-exhibit-guide |

## About this program

# Youth Exhibit Guide Program

The National Aquarium's Youth Exhibit Guide Program lets Baltimore-area high school students spend a summer volunteering on the floor of one of the country's best-known aquariums, gaining work experience and exposure to STEAM careers. Guides complete an intensive training course before taking guest-facing shifts across the Aquarium's exhibits.

## What You'll Do

- Complete volunteer training covering exhibits and their inhabitants, the Chesapeake Bay, conservation, interpretation techniques, and customer service
- Interpret exhibits and answer visitor questions as a uniformed Youth Exhibit Guide
- Support the Living Seashore touch exhibit, the one place guides work directly with animals
- Work 12 shifts over six weeks, including a mandatory first week, without stacking shifts
- Attend an array of marine science training classes alongside other guides

## Who Should Apply

Local high school students rising into grade 10 and up who will have successfully completed ninth grade by the start of the summer, enjoy interacting with guests of all ages, and can commit to the full program including orientation and training. Qualified applicants are invited to in-person interviews at the Aquarium led by the Volunteer Engagement team and current guides; attendance at an interview is required for acceptance.

## Outcomes

Guides fulfill school community-service requirements, receive uniform gear, an Aquarium ID badge, free parking at partner garages, and two general admission tickets on successful completion. A $40 course registration and materials fee applies if accepted, and need-based scholarships are available.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Youth Exhibit Guide Program cost?

Youth Exhibit Guide Program costs $40. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Youth Exhibit Guide Program?

Youth Exhibit Guide Program is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Youth Exhibit Guide Program online or in person?

Youth Exhibit Guide Program is an in-person program based in Baltimore, MD.

### How do I apply to Youth Exhibit Guide Program?

Apply directly through National 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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