# Youth Ocean Advocates Youth Ocean Advocates (YOA) is the Seattle Aquarium's free volunteer and leadership program for high school students who care about the ocean. Cohorts start twice a year — a school-year session and a summer session — and members complete around 20 hours of training across five sessions before engaging Aquarium visitors and their own communities in marine conservation. ## What You'll Do - Teach Aquarium visitors about marine life and conservation on the exhibit floor - Complete a minimum of eight volunteer activities per session, each running three to five hours - Join trainings, classes, and field activities, including marine science research classes and behind-the-scenes tours - Take part in beach cleanups, tree plantings, and community science projects - Create conservation-focused social media content and advocacy projects ## Who Should Apply Students enrolled in grades 9-12 in a high school, Running Start, GED, or homeschool program at the time of application. The program is free; interest forms open in January for the summer session and in August for the school-year session, followed by informational sessions and applications. ## Outcomes Participants build public speaking and science communication skills, gain sustained access to Aquarium staff and conservation professionals, log meaningful volunteer service, and join a community of youth advocates — a pipeline that has launched many members toward marine science and conservation careers.