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Stan Cummings Scholars

INTERNSHIP OPPorTUNITIES

Applications are currently closed and will open again in summer 2025.

Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program

Click here to learn about our Founder, Stan Cummings

2024-2025 

Welcome to Ocean Institute Stan Cummings Scholars Internship Program!

Internships at the Ocean Institute go from fall to spring with an intern showcase in the beginning of June. Interns will gain hands-on experience and a deep connection to marine science.

Internship Dates:

7/10 – Internship Applications Open

8/11 – Internship Applications Close at 11:59pm

8/12 – 9/6 – Internship Interviews

9/10 – Internship Awarded

9/24 – Internship Orientation

9/28 – Start date

11/23 – 12/1 – Thanksgiving Break

12/3 – 1st Intern Workshop

12/21 – 1/10/25 – Winter Break

TBD – 2nd Intern Workshop

Spring Break – Align with your school break

4/8/25 – 3rd Workshop

5/6/25 – 4th/Final Workshop

6/6/25 – Intern Showcase

Basic Requirements:

– 4 hour shift, 1 day a week for entire internship semester

– Attend each intern workshop

– Adhere to all deadlines

– Participation in end of semester showcase

– Promptness

– Open and timely communication (our primary communication is by email)

– Function as a role model for dress and behavior at the Ocean Institute. Conduct yourself in a professional manner by respecting all staff, volunteers, members, animals, and guests.

Departments and Potential Projects:

Below are the different departments and project guidelines available for interns. 

Husbandry

Husbandry Research Intern – Assist with animal care including tank cleaning, animal feeding, etc. and simultaneously, develop a research project utilizing part of our system. Available to both high school and college students. Shifts will be decided upon acceptance.

Public Programs

Artifact Conservation Intern – learn about and practice artifact maintenance, restoration and conservation. Work alongside the artifact specialist to clean artifacts, store artifacts, and document conditions, cleanings, and placements.  Project possibilities include: investigate preservation techniques including maceration and articulation methods; catalog Ocean Institute’s natural artifact collection; regulate artifact care and learn about policy creation related to natural artifacts within a museum setting. *This internship may require working with recovered specimen and animal parts.* Available to both high school and college students. Available shifts: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Exhibit Design Intern – learn about the development of our permanent and temporary public-facing exhibits. Project will include creating your own exhibit and putting it on display during Ocean Institute’s general admission hours. Available shifts: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 4:00pm.

R/V Sea Explorer

Naturalist Intern – Act as a naturalist aboard 1 weekend cruise per week. Create informational talks/signage about marine mammals and/or develop the California Killer Whale Project field guide for the Marine Mammal Cruises. Available only to college students. Available shifts: Saturday through Sunday, 9:00am – 1:30pm. 

Ocean Productivity Research Intern – conduct research aboard the RV/SE for projects including phytoplankton and/or chlorophyll A. Available to both high school and college students. Available shifts: Saturday through Sunday, 9:00am – 1:30pm.

Regulation & Maintenance Intern – Document vessel activities, log catches and trawls, assist with vessel maintenance and standards. Available to both high school and college students. Available shifts: Saturday through Sunday, 9:00am – 1:30pm. 

 

FAQ

Please see below for frequently asked questions!

How long is the internship program?

October – June

How frequent are the required shifts?

Once per week – the day is dependent on your department.

Am I required to work on holiday weeks?

The following breaks are built into the program:
Thanksgiving: 11/23 – 12/1
Winter: 12/21 – 1/10/25
Spring: Align with interns’ spring break

Who can intern?

The majority of our internships are open to both high school and college students. The Nonprofit Grant Writing Intern, Naturalist Intern, Curriculum Development Intern, and Marketing Intern positions are available to college students only. 

Where do I apply?

Use the application button above!