15 Best Marine Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in marine biology, summer programs can be a great way for you to expand your learning beyond the classroom while gaining early exposure to professional fields. The best marine biology summer programs for high school students are run by respected colleges and organizations, making them a solid option without the high costs often associated with private training.
The best marine biology summer programs for high school students allow students to develop practical skills, connect with experts in the field, and explore career paths in a hands-on environment. Alongside academics, these experiences can also open doors to valuable networks that benefit students in the long run.
For those drawn to the study of oceans, marine ecosystems, and aquatic life, the best marine biology summer programs for high school students are particularly meaningful. To help with this search, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best marine biology summer programs for high school students.
15 Best Marine Biology Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences - Keller BLOOM Program
Location: East Boothbay, ME
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 16 students
Dates: May 18 – 23
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school juniors in Maine
The Keller BLOOM Program places you in a week-long, research-focused environment at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay. You’ll live on campus and work closely with scientists both in the lab and on the water, gaining exposure to sampling techniques, data collection, and oceanographic tools during a research cruise on the Sheepscot River estuary. You will also do lab-based investigations on topics such as phytoplankton, zooplankton, nutrients, and marine microbes, where you’ll use advanced equipment and methods to understand local ecosystems. You’ll also meet scientists at various stages of their careers, and attend a Marine Science Career Night to learn about educational and professional pathways in the field.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-25% / 70-100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer I and II cohorts start on June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; Summer I: May 11; Summer II: June 23
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 weeks; also open to college students and young professionals
Through Ladder Internships, you can take part in an 8–12 week project-based experience that matches you with a startup aligned to your interests, including areas related to marine biology and conservation. You’ll dedicate 10–20 hours each week to your project, working under the guidance of both a manager at the startup and a Ladder Coach who mentors you throughout the process. Your internship begins with a structured placement based on your skills and goals, followed by weekly meetings to set objectives, monitor progress, and work toward a final deliverable. For students pursuing marine biology, this might mean analyzing ecological data, contributing to environmental impact research, or working on marine conservation initiatives. By the end, you’ll present your work.
3. Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology - Marine Science Investigations
Location: Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, HI
Cost: &750 for residents; $1,250 for non-residents; students from Hawai’i may be eligible for subsidies worth $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 24 students
Dates: June 2 – 6
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: All high school students
The Marine Science Investigations program at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology allows you to spend two weeks studying marine ecosystems on Coconut Island in Kāne‘ohe Bay. This field-based course is designed specifically for high school students and emphasizes practical skills like species identification, snorkeling-based biodiversity surveys, and water quality testing. You’ll practice setting up transects to measure and record marine life, use dichotomous keys for classification, and gather data on salinity, turbidity, and pH. The program also introduces you to habitat mapping, coral reef ecology, and the challenges of coastal restoration. Since it is a non-credit course, the focus is entirely on research and fieldwork rather than grading.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid is available / None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 400+ students
Dates: The summer cohorts (I and II) typically runs for 12 weeks and start on June 2 and July 14 respectively
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Summer I and II deadlines are on May 11 and June 23; apply here
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
In this program, you will work one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor from a leading university to conduct independent research in marine science. Over the course of 12 to 16 weeks, you’ll design a research question, learn methods of data collection and analysis, and produce a polished research paper that reflects your findings. Depending on the program track you choose, this work may culminate in a 15-page paper or even extend into a fellowship where you prepare your work for presentation or publication. If you’re interested in marine biology, this offers a pathway to delve deep into research and gain exposure to the kinds of scholarship pursued at the university level. You may also be eligible to earn a UCSD credit.
5. University of North Carolina Wilmington – MarineQuest: O.C.E.A.N.S.
Location: UNCW Campus, NC
Cost: Academic: $1,465 | Overnight: $3,465; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / 10 students
Dates: Week 1 & 2: June 8 – 20; Week 3 & 4: July 13 – 25
Application Deadline: May 25 (two weeks before the program’s start)
Eligibility: Students ages 15–16 (must have completed 9th grade and turned 15 by the start of the program)
The O.C.E.A.N.S. program at UNC Wilmington’s MarineQuest introduces you to a range of marine science careers through a two-week residential experience. During the program, you’ll conduct a half-day oceanographic research cruise, build and test a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for underwater missions, and apply lab techniques such as gel electrophoresis to identify organisms. You’ll also study coastal ecosystems, investigate how engineers manage shoreline resiliency, and learn how biochemists identify marine products with pharmaceutical potential. Field activities include comparative biological studies across marine habitats, providing insight into the work of ichthyologists, botanists, and environmental scientists.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands. Participants are assigned a location that is within a 45-minute commute of their home.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 3% / 27-33 students making it to the final cohort each year
Dates: June – August (flexible)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors | At least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that lets you study aquatic ecosystems through hands-on research alongside a professional mentor. You’ll contribute to projects that may include fish population surveys, water quality testing, habitat restoration, or data analysis. Your placement is tailored to your location, and depending on your mentor’s work, you may find yourself electrofishing, snorkeling, analyzing specimens under a microscope, or even assisting with environmental education programs. Some projects may involve extended trips into the field. Alongside the hands-on work, you’ll be responsible for keeping logs of your experience and producing reports that reflect your learning.
7. University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Lab – Marine Biology Summer Camp
Location: Ocean Springs, MS
Cost: $65 per day + $800 - $4,000 group vessel fee + $200 group deposit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified / 15-100 participants
Dates: August through May
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by camp; some programs extend registration through June 10
Eligibility: All high school students
At the Marine Biology Summer Camp, you’ll take part in field and lab investigations of Gulf Coast ecosystems. Activities include trawling from research vessels, identifying marine organisms, sampling water quality, and exploring barrier island habitats. You may also study shark biology by helping capture, measure, tag, and release species under supervision, as well as use seine nets and plankton tows to study fish and invertebrate diversity. In addition to fieldwork, lab sessions focus on classification, dissection, and understanding how marine food webs operate. Other experiences range from kayaking in estuarine waters to learning about marine aquaculture and coastal bird ecology.
8. Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Governor's School
Location: Gloucester Point, VA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Up to 6 students
Dates: Typically early July – early August
Application Deadline: Vary by school division; applicants should check with their school guidance office or gifted education coordinator for the precise deadline
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders in Virginia
The Governor’s School program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is a summer apprenticeship that pairs you with a faculty mentor to work on an active research project. As an apprentice, you’ll gain experience in designing and conducting investigations, whether that involves collecting samples in the field, running experiments in the lab, or analyzing large datasets. Workshops on research methods and writing are included, giving you valuable practice in skills that carry over to college coursework. With placements limited to just a handful of students each summer, the program provides focused mentorship and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to VIMS research efforts.
9. Pre-College Program at Eckerd: Marine Science
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Cost: $2,100; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Limited size
Dates: Session I: June 8-13; Session II: June 15-20
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students entering 11th and 12th grades | Must pass a swimming test
This program is modeled after the school’s undergraduate curriculum, giving you a preview of how marine science is studied at the college level. Throughout the program, you’ll conduct hands-on investigations on the Gulf of Mexico, working alongside faculty to explore topics in marine biology, geology, and chemistry. Field activities may include seining for invertebrates in seagrass beds, catching and releasing nearshore fish, conducting plankton tows, and photographing wild dolphins to study their behavior. You’ll also use hydrophones to record underwater sounds, examine sediment cores for prey species, and observe birds and reptiles at nearby preserves. In the lab, you’ll study your collected samples under microscopes and analyze environmental data.
10. Florida Keys: Marine & Wildlife Conservation
Location: Florida Keys, FL
Cost: $6,699; a fall discount period and a few partial scholarships are available based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Up to 24 students
Dates: June 28 – July 13; July 16 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8–10
In this program, you’ll take part in service-learning projects that contribute to protecting fragile ecosystems while exploring one of the most biologically rich regions in the U.S. A major focus of the program is coral reef restoration, where you’ll snorkel at nursery and restoration sites, assist with fish identification, and learn techniques for supporting reef health. Other conservation activities may include volunteering with shark protection initiatives, working with sea turtle rehabilitation centers, and helping preserve coastal habitats like mangroves and seagrass beds. Alongside these projects, you’ll test water quality, study biodiversity, and reflect on the impact of your work with guidance from program staff.
11. National Student Leadership Conference - Marine Biology
Location: University of Miami, FL, and University of British Columbia, BC
Cost: $4,295; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 60-80 students per session
Dates: Miami: June 17 – 25; June 29 – July 7 | BC: July 14 – 22; July 26 – August 3
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students between ages 14-18 | Must have completed at least one year of high school
At the NSLC on Marine Biology, you’ll work on understanding the connection between humans and marine ecosystems through a mix of classroom learning, lab work, and field experiences. You may take part in conservation activities, practice dissections, and conduct experiments that highlight the diversity and balance of aquatic life. Guest speakers from marine science and related fields share their expertise, giving you a clearer picture of how the field operates in practice. The program also includes field trips where you’ll see marine biology in action beyond campus. In addition to the science focus, NSLC also has a leadership curriculum with workshops on communication, teamwork, resilience, and empathy.
12. SEASCape: Ocean Studies on Cape Cod – Sea Education Association (SEA)
Location: Woods Hole, MA
Cost: $5,975; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / 24-25 students
Dates: June 23 – July 12; July 21 – August 9
Application Deadline: April 15 (Rolling admissions)
Eligibility: All high school students
If you’re interested in both the science and human history of the ocean, SEASCape combines hands-on fieldwork with lessons on how people have interacted with the sea over time. Over two and a half weeks, you’ll study oceanography topics like marine organisms, geology, and seawater chemistry, with much of the work taking place in salt marshes and beaches around Cape Cod. You’ll collect and analyze biological, geological, and physical data, then present your findings through group projects. The program also explores “Oceans and Society,” where you’ll learn about maritime history, fisheries, and the ways technology has shaped seafaring. Trips may include visits to naval museums, local fishing industries, and research hubs.
13. Marine Biology Adventure Camp
Location: Sea Turtle Camp, NC
Cost: $2,820; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective / 12-50 students
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions available between June 1 – August 1
Application deadline: Varies by session; rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders
At this camp, you’ll focus on sea turtle conservation while gaining broader knowledge of marine ecosystems. Working with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, you’ll help care for turtles by preparing food, maintaining tanks, and supporting their recovery before release. Fieldwork involves morning and evening patrols to monitor nesting activity, as well as opportunities to explore coastal habitats, including salt marshes, tide pools, and maritime forests. You’ll also earn community service hours through activities such as beach cleanups and public outreach, where you’ll share what you’ve learned with visitors. You will also conduct dissections and species identification, all while living on Topsail Island with fellow campers.
14. Marine Teens Internship
Location: Natural History Museum and various locations throughout L.A. County
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / About 10 students each summer
Dates: June 17 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors attending Boyle Heights high schools, including the Math, Science & Technology Magnet Academy, Theodore Roosevelt High School, Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School, and Boyle Heights STEM Magnet
The Marine Teens Internship gives you the chance to step into a paid role at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, where you’ll help connect visitors to marine science. Each summer, a small group of high school juniors and seniors is selected to develop and present interpretation projects, which may include interactive displays or programs that share insights from marine biology research. As an intern, you’ll gain experience with museum collections, program design, and science communication, while also developing teamwork and public speaking skills. Returning students may serve as Peer Mentors, taking on leadership responsibilities such as guiding first-year interns and supporting education outreach.
15. SEA Expedition: Sea Education Association
Location: Woods Hole, MA, and at sea
Cost: $6,400; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 24-25 students
Dates: Session 1: June 1 – 12; Session 2: June 30 – July 11; Session 3: July 16 – 27; Session 4: August 1 – 12
Application Deadline: April 15 (Rolling admissions)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
SEA Expedition places you aboard a sailing research vessel for two weeks, where you’ll balance life at sea with scientific investigation of New England’s offshore waters. As part of the ship’s crew, you’ll learn seamanship skills like navigation, sail handling, and watch leadership, while also contributing to a team effort that keeps the vessel running smoothly. On the science side, you’ll conduct field research by collecting data on biodiversity, sea temperature, salinity, nutrients, sediments, and marine life sightings, including whales and seabirds. The information you gather contributes to ongoing monitoring of marine protected areas, giving your work a real-world impact. Discussions on policy and history add context to the research.
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