The museum works cooperatively with a local Elderhostel sponsor on special programs. The Minority Marine Science Occupation Program is offered to minorities to encourage their interest in the marine sciences as a career. The program is conducted in tandem with local offices of the NOAA, the National Marine Fisheries, and the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Intern Programs employ college-level interns for summer programs. Interns are selected through a statewide program that matches students and their study interests with appropriate institutions.
Interns teach, give tours, conduct research, and learn museum administration.
Education Outreach is a program where all senior curators and the director give lectures for, consult with, and participate in programs offered by the community and schools. Regular visits are made to local schools working in cooperation with school curricula. Museum programs are conducted at marine conferences and workshops throughout the state. The Summer Science Program for the first through ninth grades is conducted annually. It offers a curriculum of underwater archaeology, environmental ecology, and endangered species to elementary and middle school grades.