Summer Teen Internships

Click here to apply.

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 and volunteer internships for Boston, Cambridge and suburban 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 Stewardship Trip to places like The Boston Harbor Islands, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and other New England areas over the course of the summer. All first-time interns will attend a paid two-hour weekly Career Skills Development workshop while second year interns will attend a paid two-hour weekly College 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, Cambridge and suburban 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 Summer Youth Employment Program in addition to completing an Aquarium application. Suburban residents may apply for a volunteer internship their first summer working with us. There are a very limited number of paid internships available and those that are eligible will receive an email with information on how to apply for those positions. If you did not receive and email and feel you should have, please inquire at teens@neaq.org.

Application Process

If you live in Boston, you must register on the Hopeline to be eligible for an Aquarium job. You can register online by following this link or call the Mayor’s Youthline at 617-635-2240 for more information. Cambridge residents must register with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employement Program or call (617) 349-6234. Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program applications will be available in April.

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
Suburban	June 30 - August 18	Volunteer	25	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 80 jobs available. We receive many applications (last year we received more than 300), 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!