Summer Teen Internships

If you’re looking for a unique, fun, and educational way to spend your summer vacation, the New England Aquarium may be the right place for you. The Summer Teen Internship Program is a great opportunity for teens to challenge themselves and learn useful skills while earning money.

The Aquarium offers paid summer internships for Boston, Chelsea and Cambridge youth for six weeks in July and August. Interns receive valuable training and hands-on learning experiences. There are positions available in various departments throughout the Aquarium including education, gift shop and camp.

Teens will also be paid to attend at least one Environmental Leadership workshop and field trip to places like Thompson Island, The Marine Science Sea Coast Center in Nahant or hiking in the Blue Hills over the course of the summer. All first-time interns will attend a paid two-hour weekly Career Skills Development workshop. Teen interns at the New England Aquarium receive discounts and free admissions to museums and attractions throughout the Boston area.

Program Requirements

Boston residents between the ages of 15 and 17 and Chelsea and Cambridge residents between the ages of 14 and 18 can apply. Boston residents must register on the Hopeline. Cambridge residents must register with the Mayor’s Program in addition to completing an Aquarium application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will I get paid?
Yes, as long as you are a resident of Boston or Cambridge you can sign up to be paid by your city.

City	Work Period	Hourly Wage	Hours Per Week	Age
Boston	June 30 - August 18	$8.00	25	15-17
Cambridge	June 30 - August 18	$8.00	20	14-18
Chelsea	June 30 - August 18	$8.00	20	14-18

2) Can I still apply even if I don’t know much about fish or science?
Absolutely! We will arrange for you to start your job with training so that we can teach you what you will need to know.

3) Are there lots of jobs?
There are about 70 jobs available. We receive many applications (last year we received approximately 250), so it is competitive. For this reason, it is important that you work very hard on your application, fill it out completely, and get it in early. We do not accept late applications.

4) What if my family is planning to go away for a short vacation or I have to go to summer school? Should I still apply?
Yes. If you are one of our top applicants, it is likely that we will try to make your work schedule fit with your other commitments. It never hurts to apply!

Application Process

If you live in Boston, you must register on the Hopeline to be eligible for an Aquarium job. To find out more about the Hopeline, including specific times and the online web registering site, please call the Mayor’s Youthline at 617-635-2240. Cambridge residents must register with the Mayor’s Program at www.cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-6234. After registering, please complete and mail or hand-deliver the summer teen internship application (PDF 256KB). The Teen Programs department will follow up with you following our receipt of your application.

Questions?

Please contact the Supervisor of Teen Programs at (617) 973-6745 or email us at teens@neaq.org.

The Aquarium Teen Internship program is supported by Boston Youth Fund, Cambridge Office of Workforce Development, Germeshausen Foundation, State Street Foundation Inc., Millipore Foundation, and Massachusetts Cultural Council. The New England Aquarium Teen Internship Program is also supported through the generous annual contributions of individuals.