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Marine Science Fellowship

Are you a high school student interested in the marine sciences? Join us for a learning experience that goes far beyond the traditional classroom!

Fall 2026 Marine Science Fellowship

*Course meets 10 times between these dates. Fall 2026 session takes place on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. See full schedule below, subject to change.

**You must have an SSC Membership valid through the program to take advantage of the member rate.

About SSC’s Marine Science Fellowship

A full semester hands-on marine science course for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to learn about the field of marine science, both in the field and in the classroom. Students learn first-hand about various marine science topics and areas of study. They will discuss marine science career paths and meet different scientists within the field. Students will have the opportunity to create their own research project during the semester. Students may apply for the fall, spring, or both semesters. Students may apply for Extended Learning Opportunity, Learn Everywhere NH, and/or VLACS credit through their schools.

Objectives:

To give students a greater understanding of the field of Marine Biology through inquiry, investigation, and hands-on experiences at Seacoast Science Center.
To expose students to a range of careers in marine biology and provide opportunities for them to engage with visiting professionals.
To engage the students in research, improve scientific skills and practices, foster individuals’ special interests, and practice presentation skills and techniques.
To educate students about the impact they have on the ocean, the challenges facing our climate, and how they can contribute to a sustainable and healthy ocean.

The class meets on Saturdays from 9:30am-1:30pm on selected dates. During the Fall 2026 semester, we will attend BioBlitz on Sunday, September 20th. Topics this semester include; marine aquaculture, sea level rise, marine mammal rescue, coastal bird habitats, sharks in the Gulf of Maine, whales in the Gulf of Maine, and invasive green crabs.

Fall 2026 Dates

September – 20th, 26th

October – 10th, 17th, 31st

November – 7th, 21st, *28th

December – 5th, 12th, 19th

*optional date to work on projects

How to Apply

Students must submit an application and letter of interest by Monday, September 14, 2026 to be considered for participation in the program. Please be advised that space is limited to 15 students.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email Debbie Lyons at d.lyons@sscnh.org or Richie Harty at r.harty@sscnh.org.

During Seacoast Science Center's high school marine science programs, students learn in the field with their instructor about aquaculture along our coast.

Seacoast Science Center's Marine Science Fellowhip offers a hands-on opportunity for high school students to explore marine science areas of study in the field, including the tide pools in Odiorne Point State Park.

Marine Science Fellowship students at Seacoast Science Center learn in the field. Here they visit UNH's dock to meet with one of the colleges researchers.

Fellows take a break to explore during kayak trip.

Students in Seacoast Science Center's Marine Science Fellowship, conduct research and share their findings during a symposium event.

Three Marine Fellows students are shown working on an experiment in SSC's Gregg Interactive Learning Studio

Marine Fellows conducting intertidal zone survey.

Program participant casts net at Frost Point.

Earn Credit

Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO)

To learn more about earning credit for this course, print the Marine Science Fellowship Program ELO Guidelines and ELO Program Design Plan, and discuss the opportunity with your guidance counselor.

Learn Everywhere NH

Learn Everywhere is a program that allows students in New Hampshire to earn high school credit for learning that takes place outside of the school instructional environment. For more information please visit this web page, or discuss with your guidance counselor.

VLACS Micro-Internship

The Marine Science Fellowship Program is associated with the VLACS Micro-Internship process. If you are registered for the Marine Science Fellowship program, you may enroll in this affiliated credit-bearing offering at any time during your participation in the program. Click here to learn more.

VLACS is FREE for New Hampshire residents. Cost for out-of-state residents is $592.80 per half credit.

Credit Allocation

ELO is 0.5 credit.
Learn Everywhere is 0.5 credit.
VLACS is 0.25 credit.
Students can enroll for ELO and/or Learn Everywhere, and add VLACS to receive 0.75 credit.

Time Commitment

Fall and Spring semesters: This is a 11-week course with an expected time commitment of 3-6 hours per week. The course schedule includes Saturdays from 10am to 1pm, plus additional study, project, and/or volunteer time to be conducted on your own time, as arranged with the program leader. If you are unable to make a Saturday session, you can request a make-up session. This program allows for flexible scheduling.

Summer semester (Community Science Fellowship): This is a 6-week course with an expected time commitment of 3 hours per week. Students spend their time in the field, in Odiorne Point State Park; no additional projects are required; no credit offered.

Financial Aid

It is our goal to ensure this program is available to all. If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to Debbie Lyons at d.lyons@sscnh.org to inquire about our Coastal Education Fund.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made prior to two weeks before the program begins receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after that time.

Testimonials

Participating in Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Science Fellowship Program opened my eyes to a wide range of marine science career paths that I did not even know existed! SSC staff and guest experts shared their experiences, including why they got into the field, what they studied in college, and the work they are doing now. The class was also very hands-on. We even conducted our own research project and learned how to present our findings. I loved everything about this program and would recommend it to any high schooler interested in learning more about the marine sciences.

Kylia K.

SSC Marine Fellow graduate

My experience in the Fellows program helped bring deeper understanding and clarity to my path. The focus of my research project was on pollution in the ocean and I wrote a literary review that will be the basis for my senior project, which is to design a submersible device to collect plastic marine debris. My hope is to help restore ocean health and inspire others to do so as well.

Kiersten C.

SSC Marine Fellow graduate