Young Scientists Program
The Young Scientists Program (YSP) offers ocean-loving high school students the opportunity to explore their passion for science by conducting hands-on research projects in conjunction with Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Aquatic Nursery. Aquarium staff mentor students through scientific investigations on local marine topics with an emphasis on conservation and aquarium science.
Students spend nine months developing a project, learning safe lab practices, and conducting their research before presenting at our annual Young Scientists Symposium. This symposium has served as a celebration event for our students to share their projects with program supporters and the greater community. After this nine-month journey, participants will have learned how to design, propose, experiment, analyze, and share scientific research. Throughout the program, students will be led by a team of CMA staff, helping them every step of the way. At its most fundamental level, this program hones a Young Scientists communication skills and understanding through this scientific journey. At a higher level, these programs offer our members and visitors an opportunity to learn about the important research and conservation conducted at the Aquarium.
If you have any questions regarding the Young Scientists Program, please contact: youngscientists@cmaqua.org
2024-2025 Young Scientists Symposium
To learn more about the awesome work this year’s group of Young Scientists have been working on during their time in the program, please be sure to join us at our annual Young Scientists Poster Symposium! This event showcases each participating student’s research poster reflecting the incredible work conducted as part of their project over the last 10 months during their time in YSP. This year we had students conducting research projects within the Aquarium’s Aquatic Nursery, and throughout the surrounding Cabrillo Beach Coastal park. Our students dove into topics covering species diversity, moon jelly development and reproduction, microbiology, octopus behavior, impacts of climate change and marine ecosystem pollution, and so much more!
Be sure to join us on Sunday March 30th, 2025 from 12pm -3pm for the 2025 Young Scientists Poster Symposium at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium! The event is free and reservations are not required.
Applying for the 2025 Young Scientists Program
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for our next round of YSP beginning in Spring 2025, applications are now live!
As part of the Young Scientists Program, there are a number of mandatory events taking place throughout the program timeline running from June 2025 through March 2026. Please take the time to review our 2025 - 2026 Young Scientists Program Calendar to ensure you are available and able to attend all required events before beginning the application process.
2025 - 2026 Young Scientist Program Calendar for Participating Students
To apply for the 2025 - 2026 Young Scientists Program, please follow the steps below.
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Attend the 2025 YSP Ice Breaker Event
Applicants must attend our YSP Ice Breaker Event on Sunday May 4th, 2025; from 10am - 2pm. This event will allow applicants to learn more about the program and meet Aquarium staff, while allowing staff to meet each applicant in person. Space is limited, and RSVP is required. If interested in attending the event, please complete the below RSVP Form.
2025 Young Scientist Program Ice Breaker - RSVP Form - Submit a Completed 2025 YSP Application - Due Sunday May 11th, 2025
All students interested in the Young Scientists Program will need to submit a completed 2025 YSP application via the Google Form attached below. This application will include providing us with contact information, research interest questions, a 1 page personal statement and resume. Students are welcome to submit their application prior to the Ice Breaker event. But attendance to the Ice Breaker event is required for your application to be considered.
2025 Young Scientist Program Application - Due May 11th, 2025
- Submit a Teacher Recommendation Form
All applicants will be responsible for having a teacher or coach complete and submit a 2025 YSP Teacher Recommendation Form. The form is linked as a shareable Google form below. The Teacher recommendation is due the same day as the application; Sunday May 11th, 2025.
2025 YSP Teacher Recommendation Form