# Youth Ocean Advocates

Free Seattle Aquarium program where high schoolers (grades 9-12) train as marine conservation interpreters and advocates, with behind-the-scenes access, field trips, and school-year or summer cohorts.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Seattle Aquarium |
| Category | volunteer |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Apply | https://www.seattleaquarium.org/act-for-the-ocean/volunteer/youth-ocean-advocates/ |

## About this program

# 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Youth Ocean Advocates cost?

Youth Ocean Advocates is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Youth Ocean Advocates?

Youth Ocean Advocates 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 Youth Ocean Advocates online or in person?

Youth Ocean Advocates is an in-person program based in Seattle, WA.

### How do I apply to Youth Ocean Advocates?

Apply directly through Seattle 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: 2026-07-06.
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