Junior SeaKeepers Program

SeaKeepers provides high school students in Southeast Florida with hands-on experiences in marine science research, professional development, and community outreach and empowers them to educate their local communities about marine conservation issues.

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open on June 22, 2026 and close September 20, 2026.

Complete Application
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Overview

The Junior SeaKeepers Program offers students in grades 9-12 hands-on experience in oceanographic research and marine conservation in South Florida, mainly Miami-Dade County. Guided by marine science experts, students explore marine science topics while developing skills in research, science communication, and community engagement. This free program aims to create a new generation of ocean ambassadors ready to tackle ocean challenges.

*We are currently accepting applications from students in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties and the Upper Florida Keys. Public, private, charter, and homeschool students are welcome to apply, with priority given to those attending Title I funded schools in Miami-Dade County.

Become a Junior SeaKeeper

Junior SeaKeepers will have the opportunity to:
  • Spend time on South Florida's Biscayne Bay while learning how to conserve the ecosystems.
  • Act as leaders at community cleanups.
  • Receive community service hours for all beach cleanups attended.
  • Present their scientific marine research findings to peers and parents.
  • Earn scholarship funding based on participation.
  • The marine environment through webinars with local experts.
  • The scientific method through hands-on research.
  • The art of science communication and effective storytelling through creative projects.
  • The process of becoming a champion for environmental conservation through partnered advocacy trainings.
  • A certificate indicating completion of the program.
  • Community service hours for beach cleanups.
  • A SeaKeepers “Swag Bag” (that includes a T-shirt, a reusable water bottle, metal straws, etc.).
  • Scholarship opportunities based on participation.
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION

Program Alumni

Alexander Walker, 2024-2025 Junior SeaKeepers Cohort

Alexander Walker, a senior at Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer, has been nominated for the prestigious Silver Knight Award in Science. The Silver Knight Awards, sponsored by The Miami Herald, honor high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional high achievement in both academics and community service. Each school in Miami-Dade and Broward counties may nominate one student per category.

Alex credits the Junior SeaKeepers Program for helping him merge his passions for music and ocean conservation, making this nomination possible. We wish him the very best of luck at the Silver Knight Awards Ceremony this spring.

Program Alumni

Alexia Lorie, JSK 2024-25 Cohort

Alexia Lorie, a student at Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy, has been named a finalist for the Local 10 News “Eco Hero: Down Under” competition due to her dedication to environmental advocacy and her passion for eliminating plastic waste.

Trained to persuade local business owners to ditch plastic in favor of greener, more sustainable alternatives, Alexia is making a real impact in the fight for a healthier planet.

As a graduated Junior SeaKeeper, her commitment to conservation continues to inspire future generations of young ocean advocates.

Thank you for your support! Voting for Alexia has officially closed. Stay tuned for updates on the results and her incredible work.

Program Alumni

Charlotte Rowe, Spring 2023 Cohort

Charlotte Rowe, a Senior at South Plantation High School, has been named a finalist for the Local 10 News “Eco Hero: Down Under” competition as a result of her dedication to environmental advocacy.

Charlotte credits her time as a Junior SeaKeeper as a pivotal experience in her journey, shaping her understanding of marine biodiversity through hands-on workshops and fieldwork. Her commitment to conservation continues to inspire future generations of young ocean advocates.

Thank you for your support! Voting for Charlotte has officially closed. Stay tuned for updates on the results and her incredible work.