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Opportunities for High School Students

The Batten School & VIMS offer a number of educational and research opportunities for high-school students.

Coastal Counselors Program

Looking for a rewarding way to spend your summer? Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards as a Coastal Counselor with the Batten School & VIMS Marine Science Camps! As a Coastal Counselor, you'll gain hands-on experience working in the field, learning teamwork and leadership skills, and making a real difference in the lives of campers. All selected counselors must attend a two-day training camp in June, where they'll receive the tools, guidance, and support needed to lead activities safely and create an unforgettable camp experience for everyone. Trained counselors will then be selected to volunteer at one of our marine science summer camps in July or August.  Applications open in February, and students will be notified if they are selected for an interview by the end of March. 

 Summer Governor's School Program

Open to Virginia high school students via the Virginia Department of Education Governor's Schools program. During this 4-week summer residential school, Batten School & VIMS researchers host up to 6 high-school students with a demonstrated interest in and aptitude for marine science. Students are housed at Christopher Newport University.

Summer Aide Program

A limited number of paid positions may be available on our campus during the summer, depending on faculty need and funding. High school students may apply for these temporary positions. To be considered, students must complete a William & Mary online application. Researchers or faculty looking for Summer Aides review the online applications to find potential candidates. To submit an online application, go to the W&M Jobs site and follow the instructions. Note: paper applications are not accepted; in the event that there are no positions or you are not selected, you will not be notified.

Oyster Aquaculture Training Program (OAT)

The Oyster Aquaculture Training program is designed to help meet the growing demand for trained staff for Virginia's oyster aquaculture industry, and to assist our Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center in its oyster-domestication programs.

Blue Crab Bowl

Hosted by the Batten School & VIMS, the Blue Crab Bowl is the annual Virginia Regional Competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®). It showcases some of the Commonwealth's most talented high-school students as they compete and display their mastery of oceanic knowledge. The winning team goes on to represent Virginia at the National finals where they face teams from 24 other regions.

Marine Science Careers

Learn about the diverse opportunities available for a career in marine science; and the classroom, laboratory and research experiences that will help give your students a leg up. 
Thinking about a Career in Marine Science? (pdf)

Volunteering

Get involved at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science by becoming a volunteer. Positions are available as needed in public outreach and occasionally in laboratory research and fieldwork.