Awards are made on the basis of merit and in some instances, financial need. Additionally, students must attend a Baltimore City Public School. A list of criteria for each award is available upon request. Participants are exposed to activities designed to stimulate a lifelong int erest in science and have a positive influence on their character, academic achievement and future career goals. Students are given a budget to purchase supplies and materials for outreach programs.
Students write scripts, create costumes, props and theatrical backdrops.
Additional marine science is learned through participation in volunteer training sessions. As part of this program, participants are further integrated into the life of the Aquarium by leading visitor programs and working at education stations within Aquarium galleries. To develop teaching skills and reinforce earlier training, students present mini-lessons to their parents and families at the end of each phase. Students are encouraged to return to the program throughout their high school years since program content and activities are changed annually. To provide increased challenges and greater autonomy, participants returning to the program act as ment ors to incoming students, receive more responsibility as team leaders and are exposed to new learning opportunities.