Mystic Aquarium offers a variety of high school internships focusing on marine science topics, marine conservation issues, curriculum design, activity development and implementation, teaching, and classroom management skills. Internships are unpaid but flexible, allowing for customization based on the candidate’s availability and potential for college credit following respective college guidelines. The internships encompass different focus areas such as education and conservation, research, animal rehabilitation and care, and laboratory work in the Environmental Quality Lab. In the research-focused internships, students gain a robust understanding of marine animal health, husbandry, and ecology. They may assist in various duties, like videotaping, observing, and analyzing animal behavior, preparing chemical solutions, assisting with specimen collection, managing biological specimens, assisting with biological assays and experiments, data entry and database management, data analysis, table and graph construction, and report writing. Environmental Quality Lab interns work on-site, conducting various tests to ensure optimal water quality for the exhibit animals. This internship typically demands a four-day-per-week commitment, from 7am to 3:30pm. Duties may include daily sample collection and testing, quality control testing, daily laboratory maintenance, record keeping, and assisting with additional projects as needed. The Animal Rescue Program internship involves caring for rehabilitating animals, delivering medications and supplements, maintaining animal units, record keeping, assisting with gross necropsy procedures, providing mentorship to ARP volunteers, and ensuring safe work practices. All internships emphasize reliability, excellent communication skills, team collaboration, and a strong work ethic. Interns are expected to be able to work independently, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times. A valid driver's license is a required prerequisite. These internships provide an enriching opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience, increase their knowledge, and enhance their resumes.