For future education students

Education Opportunities for High School Students

51 volunteer programs, research programs, competitions, and clubs for high school students interested in education: 0 national or online, and 51 local programs in New York City, the Bay Area, and Houston.

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Opportunities: 51
Not paused or waitlisted: 45; application availability varies
Minimum age under 16: 24; excludes paused and waitlisted
Summer only: 12; others run longer or do not say

Armand Bayou Nature Center Teen Volunteers
Volunteering · Pasadena, TX
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Not posted
Bay Area Discovery Museum Volunteer Program (ages 15+)
Volunteering · Sausalito, CA
Who can join
15 and up
When to apply
Year-round
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
Who can join
Grades 9 to 11
When to apply
December 4, 2026
Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch Teen
Volunteering · Brooklyn, NY
Who can join
Grades 9 to 12
When to apply
September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page)
Brooklyn Public Library Book Buddy
Volunteering · Brooklyn, NY
Who can join
Ages 12 to 18
When to apply
Year-round
California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Internship · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Grades 9 to 12
When to apply
Applications closed; check back in February 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Chabot Space & Science Center Galaxy Explorers
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
Who can join
Grades 10 to 12
When to apply
Applications open February 1 to March 31 each year; decisions in early May (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Children's Museum Houston Discovery Squad
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Applications for 2026-2027 are closed; 2027-2028 applications open April 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Exploratorium High School Explainer Program
Internship · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Ages 15 to 18
When to apply
School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Fort Bend County Libraries Youth Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering · TX
Who can join
12 and up
When to apply
Year-round
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeen
Volunteering · San Jose, CA
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Harris County Public Library Book Buddies (Big Buddy volunteer)
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Not posted
Hidden Villa Weekend Ambassador
Volunteering · Los Altos Hills, CA
Who can join
16 and up
When to apply
Year-round
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Nature Rangers
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 13 to 17
When to apply
Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Ecoteen Summer Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Grades 9 to 11
When to apply
Complete the interest form to receive the application link (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Teen Advisory Council
Club or organization · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 14 to 19
When to apply
Submit the interest form (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Public Library Youth Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Year-round
Houston Zoo First Year Zoo Crew Explorers
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 13 to 17
When to apply
Applications for Summer 2026 are closed; applicants notified by April 28 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent Program
Summer program · Jersey City, NJ
Who can join
Grades 10 to 12
When to apply
Summer
Liberty Science Center Youth Volunteering
Volunteering · Jersey City, NJ
Who can join
Ages 16 to 18
When to apply
Year-round
Long Island Science Center Student Volunteers
Volunteering · Riverhead, NY
Who can join
11 and up
When to apply
Not posted
Moody Gardens Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY)
Volunteering · Galveston, TX
Who can join
Ages 13 to 17
When to apply
Not posted
New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program
Volunteering · Bronx, NY
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
November 14, 2026
Oakland Public Library Teen Volunteers and Teen Advisory Boards
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Year-round
Oakland Zoo Teen Summer Internships
Internship · Oakland, CA
Who can join
Grades 11 to 12
When to apply
Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Oakland Zoo Teen Wild Guides
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
Who can join
13 and up
When to apply
Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)
Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and Interns
Volunteering · Oakland, CA
Who can join
Grades 9 to 12
When to apply
Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Palo Alto City Library Teen Library Advisory Board (TLAB)
Club or organization · Palo Alto, CA
Who can join
Grades 8 to 12
When to apply
Fall 2026 applications closed; check back in December for Winter/Spring 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth Representatives
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Queens Public Library Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering · Queens, NY
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Year-round; approval and placement can take up to 30 days (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Public Library FOG Readers Volunteer Tutor
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
15 and up
When to apply
Year-round
San Francisco Public Library School Year Youth Volunteers
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
School year
San Francisco Public Library Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Internship · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Ages 16 to 18
When to apply
Applications for 2026-27 closed September 14 (past window; confirm next cycle)
San Francisco Public Library Youth Engaged in Library Leadership (YELL)
Internship · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Ages 15 to 19
When to apply
Applications open annually in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail Volunteer
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Ages 12 to 14
When to apply
Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership Fellows
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Grades 10 to 12
When to apply
Summer
San Jose Public Library Teens Reach
Club or organization · San Jose, CA
Who can join
Ages 13 to 18
When to apply
Year-round
Santa Clara County Library District Homework Help Tutor
Volunteering · CA
Who can join
14 and up
When to apply
School year
Space Center Houston Teen Academic Year Program
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
Ages 14 to 17
When to apply
Not currently accepting applications; applications for summer 2027 open January 1, 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
The Health Museum (John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science) Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Houston, TX
Who can join
15 and up
When to apply
Year-round
The Jewish Museum Teen Internship Program
Internship · New York, NY
Who can join
Grades 9 to 12
When to apply
March 23, 2026 (page also cites March 16, 2026 for materials) (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Internship Program
Internship · Berkeley, CA
Who can join
Grades 11 to 12
When to apply
Applications opened December 17, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle)
The Marine Mammal Center Youth Crew
Volunteering · Sausalito, CA
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Online application is available for two months (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
The Tech Interactive Teen Volunteer Program: Holiday Helpers
Volunteering · San Jose, CA
Who can join
14 and up
When to apply
Orientations November 14, November 21, or December 5, 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer Program
Volunteering · Bronx, NY
Who can join
Ages 14 to 22
When to apply
Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Aquarium of the Bay Education Summer Docent VolunteerPaused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
16 and up
When to apply
Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Aquarium of the Bay Teen Volunteers (SEA Team)Paused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Ages 14 to 15
When to apply
Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Brooklyn Children's Museum Teen Curators ProgramPaused
Internship · Brooklyn, NY
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Last cycle: applications opened February 10 and closed February 21 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
California Academy of Sciences Academy Naturalist Teen (ANT) VolunteerPaused
Volunteering · San Francisco, CA
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Not posted
Computer History Museum Teen Volunteer InternsPaused
Volunteering · Mountain View, CA
Who can join
Grades 9 to 12
When to apply
Not posted
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen VolunteersPaused
Volunteering · Berkeley, CA
Who can join
Not posted
When to apply
Not posted

Opportunity	Where	Who can join	Commitment	When to apply
Armand Bayou Nature Center Teen VolunteersVolunteering · Parks and environment	Pasadena, TX	Ages 14 to 17	Not posted	Not posted
Bay Area Discovery Museum Volunteer Program (ages 15+)Volunteering · Museum or science center	Sausalito, CA	15 and up	At least a 3-hour commitment; regular, seasonal, or one-time shifts	Year-round
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)Internship · Parks and environment	Brooklyn, NY	Grades 9 to 11	March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours)	December 4, 2026
Brooklyn Public Library BKLYN BookMatch TeenVolunteering · Library	Brooklyn, NY	Grades 9 to 12	Eight weekly Wednesday trainings in November and December, then 2-3 times a month through early June	September 14 (date unconfirmed; check official page)
Brooklyn Public Library Book BuddyVolunteering · Library	Brooklyn, NY	Ages 12 to 18	School year: 2-3 hours a day, up to three days a week, for at least three months. Summer (July and August only): 1-3 days a week, 2-3 hours a day, for at least three weeks	Year-round
California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern ProgramInternship · Museum or science center	San Francisco, CA	Grades 9 to 12	2 or 3 years through high school graduation; after school and Saturdays during the school year, weekdays in summer	Applications closed; check back in February 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Chabot Space & Science Center Galaxy ExplorersVolunteering · Museum or science center	Oakland, CA	Grades 10 to 12	2 floor shifts per month in the school year, 3 per month in summer, plus Inquiry Teams that meet 7 times per semester	Applications open February 1 to March 31 each year; decisions in early May (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Children's Museum Houston Discovery SquadVolunteering · Museum or science center	Houston, TX	Ages 14 to 17	Minimum 75 volunteer hours, during the summer or across the school year	Applications for 2026-2027 are closed; 2027-2028 applications open April 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Exploratorium High School Explainer ProgramInternship · Museum or science center	San Francisco, CA	Ages 15 to 18	Entire school-year or summer session; more than 60 hours of training	School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Fort Bend County Libraries Youth Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteering · Library	TX	12 and up	Not posted	Year-round
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo ZooTeenVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	San Jose, CA	Ages 14 to 17	Minimum 48 hours a year or 4 hours per month	Applications accepted year-round; files reviewed mid-summer. 2027 season applicants contacted end of summer 2027. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Harris County Public Library Book Buddies (Big Buddy volunteer)Volunteering · Library	Houston, TX	Not posted	10 weeks, once a week for 45 minutes in the afternoon	Not posted
Hidden Villa Weekend AmbassadorVolunteering · Parks and environment	Los Altos Hills, CA	16 and up	1-2 shifts monthly	Year-round
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Nature RangersVolunteering · Parks and environment	Houston, TX	Ages 13 to 17	Minimum 2 full camp weeks (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)	Teen summer applications have closed for Summer 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Ecoteen Summer Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Museum or science center	Houston, TX	Grades 9 to 11	First-year Ecoteens commit to one two-week session	Complete the interest form to receive the application link (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Museum of Natural Science Moran Teen Advisory CouncilClub or organization · Museum or science center	Houston, TX	Ages 14 to 19	Two-year term; monthly meetings (virtual and in person) plus council-planned events	Submit the interest form (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Houston Public Library Youth Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Library	Houston, TX	Ages 14 to 17	Consistent volunteer schedule	Year-round
Houston Zoo First Year Zoo Crew ExplorersVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Houston, TX	Ages 13 to 17	Four-week session, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (2026 sessions ran June 1 - August 7)	Applications for Summer 2026 are closed; applicants notified by April 28 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Liberty Science Center Teen Summer Docent ProgramSummer program · Museum or science center	Jersey City, NJ	Grades 10 to 12	Not posted	Summer
Liberty Science Center Youth VolunteeringVolunteering · Museum or science center	Jersey City, NJ	Ages 16 to 18	At least one full day every week for a minimum of 6 months, then at least every other week	Year-round
Long Island Science Center Student VolunteersVolunteering · Museum or science center	Riverhead, NY	11 and up	Not posted	Not posted
Moody Gardens Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth (SAVY)Volunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Galveston, TX	Ages 13 to 17	Not posted	Not posted
New York Botanical Garden Explainer ProgramVolunteering · Parks and environment	Bronx, NY	Not posted	Four training days plus a 4.5-hour shift every Saturday or Sunday, March 20 through June 19, 2027; minimum 125 hours	November 14, 2026
Oakland Public Library Teen Volunteers and Teen Advisory BoardsVolunteering · Library	Oakland, CA	Not posted	Not posted	Year-round
Oakland Zoo Teen Summer InternshipsInternship · Zoo or aquarium	Oakland, CA	Grades 11 to 12	About 200 hours across 7 weeks, Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm; Summer 2026 ran June 10 to about August 1	Applications closed for Summer 2026; info meetings were held in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Oakland Zoo Teen Wild GuidesVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Oakland, CA	13 and up	Every other weekend during the school year; once a week in summer	Application open year-round; Fall 2026 applications were due September 1 (past window; confirm next cycle)
Oakland Zoo ZooCamp Teen Assistants and InternsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Oakland, CA	Grades 9 to 12	Varies by role; camp runs in 1-week sessions, June 1 to August 7, 2026	Summer 2026 applications were open February 1 to April 1; check back for Summer 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Palo Alto City Library Teen Library Advisory Board (TLAB)Club or organization · Library	Palo Alto, CA	Grades 8 to 12	Not posted	Fall 2026 applications closed; check back in December for Winter/Spring 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth RepresentativesInternship · Parks and environment	Brooklyn, NY	Not posted	Not posted	2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Queens Public Library Teen Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteering · Library	Queens, NY	Ages 14 to 17	Hours limited by state law (14-15: up to 18 hours a school week; 16-17: up to 28 hours a school week)	Year-round; approval and placement can take up to 30 days (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Public Library FOG Readers Volunteer TutorVolunteering · Library	San Francisco, CA	15 and up	Minimum 6 months, about 1 hour per week plus 1 hour of preparation	Year-round
San Francisco Public Library School Year Youth VolunteersVolunteering · Library	San Francisco, CA	Not posted	Not posted	School year
San Francisco Public Library Youth Advisory Board (YAB)Internship · Library	San Francisco, CA	Ages 16 to 18	10 hours per week, late October through early May	Applications for 2026-27 closed September 14 (past window; confirm next cycle)
San Francisco Public Library Youth Engaged in Library Leadership (YELL)Internship · Library	San Francisco, CA	Ages 15 to 19	16-20 hours per week, June 15 to August 2	Applications open annually in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens ARC Nature Trail VolunteerVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	San Francisco, CA	Ages 12 to 14	Minimum seven days per month; seasonal, June to September	Applications for 2027 open in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Leadership FellowsVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	San Francisco, CA	Grades 10 to 12	June 15 to August 7, Monday-Friday, 8:15 am-4 pm, in one of three cohorts	Summer
San Jose Public Library Teens ReachClub or organization · Library	San Jose, CA	Ages 13 to 18	Regular attendance at meetings and support of library activities	Year-round
Santa Clara County Library District Homework Help TutorVolunteering · Library	CA	14 and up	At least one day Monday through Thursday, 3:30-6:00 pm, for a full semester	School year
Space Center Houston Teen Academic Year ProgramVolunteering · Museum or science center	Houston, TX	Ages 14 to 17	6 Saturdays (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) between October 17 and March 13, plus 6 elective hours	Not currently accepting applications; applications for summer 2027 open January 1, 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
The Health Museum (John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science) Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Museum or science center	Houston, TX	15 and up	Not posted	Year-round
The Jewish Museum Teen Internship ProgramInternship · Museum or science center	New York, NY	Grades 9 to 12	Training in spring 2026, internship during the 2026-27 school year	March 23, 2026 (page also cites March 16, 2026 for materials) (past deadline; confirm next cycle)
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen Internship ProgramInternship · Museum or science center	Berkeley, CA	Grades 11 to 12	Saturday workshops in May plus full-time summer placement, Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, June 1 to August 7, 2026	Applications opened December 17, 2025 and closed January 15, 2026 (past window; confirm next cycle)
The Marine Mammal Center Youth CrewVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Sausalito, CA	Not posted	8-month service learning program; all posted dates are mandatory	Online application is available for two months (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
The Tech Interactive Teen Volunteer Program: Holiday HelpersVolunteering · Museum or science center	San Jose, CA	14 and up	At least six shifts of 3-4 hours across November 21-29 and December 19 to January 3; one 3.5-hour orientation	Orientations November 14, November 21, or December 5, 2026 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Wildlife Conservation Society Discovery Guide Volunteer ProgramVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	Bronx, NY	Ages 14 to 22	Typically a spring and a summer session	Applications for the next cycle open in late December for Spring 2027; an interest form is available now (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Aquarium of the Bay Education Summer Docent VolunteerPausedVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	San Francisco, CA	16 and up	Minimum 6 months; volunteer orientation required	Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Aquarium of the Bay Teen Volunteers (SEA Team)PausedVolunteering · Zoo or aquarium	San Francisco, CA	Ages 14 to 15	Minimum 6 months; volunteer orientation required	Check back December 1 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
Brooklyn Children's Museum Teen Curators ProgramPausedInternship · Museum or science center	Brooklyn, NY	Not posted	Most recent session ran April 7 to June 15, 2025, meeting Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 pm plus two hours of remote work weekly	Last cycle: applications opened February 10 and closed February 21 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
California Academy of Sciences Academy Naturalist Teen (ANT) VolunteerPausedVolunteering · Museum or science center	San Francisco, CA	Not posted	Not posted	Not posted
Computer History Museum Teen Volunteer InternsPausedVolunteering · Museum or science center	Mountain View, CA	Grades 9 to 12	Not posted	Not posted
The Lawrence Hall of Science Teen VolunteersPausedVolunteering · Museum or science center	Berkeley, CA	Not posted	Not posted	Not posted

Email me this list

A link to this list, so you have the age rules and application windows when they open.

Summer programs for education students

Program	Where	Who can apply	Cost	Deadline
ALA Girls NationAmerican Legion Auxiliary	Washington, DCResidential	ALA Girls State participants entering their senior year	Not posted	Not posted
ALA Girls StateAmerican Legion Auxiliary	Multiple locationsResidential	High school students who have completed their junior year	Free	Not posted
Boys NationThe American Legion	Washington, DCResidential	Boys State participants (rising seniors)	Not posted	Not posted
Boys StateThe American Legion	Multiple locationsResidential	High school juniors	Not posted	Not posted
Leadership SeminarsUniversity of Notre Dame Office of Pre-College Programs	Notre Dame, INResidential	Current high school juniors	Free	January 20, 2027
USSYPUnited States Senate and The Hearst Foundations	Washington, DCResidential	High school juniors and seniors	Free with stipend	Varies by state; December 1, 2026 is the national deadline for states to submit their selections

All leadership and civics summer programs

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In New York City

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In Houston

Frequently asked questions

What activities help a future education student?

Activities a student keeps up over time and can describe in their own words. One long commitment usually says more than several short ones.

Do these programs have age limits?

Most do. Each program page shows the minimum age or grade the organization posts, and says so when nothing is posted.

Sources and method

Each opportunity was read from the organization's own page. A rule, date, or fee the page does not state is left blank. Last checked 2026-10-13. Programs change age rules, hours, and application windows, so confirm on the official page before applying. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with these organizations.

Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Education Opportunities for High School Students”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/major/education.

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