Teen Achievers Dive Into Marine Science at The Florida Aquarium

Students from East Tampa and Sulphur Springs recently had the opportunity to explore marine science and career opportunities in a way most students never experience. Through the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Teen Achievers program, 20 middle and high school students participated in the AQUA Experience at The Florida Aquarium.

The day focused on helping students understand the careers that are possible when working at an aquarium and in marine science. Throughout the visit, students participated in the SeaTREK underwater experience, attended a career panel and took part in a dolphin cruise where they learned more about marine life and conservation.

For many students, the experience was something they never imagined they would be able to do. Lanae Robinson, a middle school student in the Teen Achievers program, explained what the program means to her. “We go places to learn about career opportunities to help figure out  what we want to be when we grow up, and we talk about careers goals. We just talk about our career path, and we go places like colleges and here, (The Florida Aquarium), to see things that kids might want to do in the future.”

During the SeaTREK experience, students walked underwater in the Heart of the Sea habitat surrounded by fish, rays and sea turtles. After the experience, Lanae shared how the moment impacted her. “I never thought I’d get to walk under the water with sea turtles and fish. It made me feel like I could do anything and maybe even have a career helping animals one day.”

Experiences like this are a key part of the Teen Achievers program, which focuses on college and career readiness, leadership development and exposing students to opportunities they may not otherwise experience. Megan Smithyman shared the importance of the program and the experiences it provides for students. “All of our Teen Achievers strive for excellence. It’s really about college and career readiness and the skills that are needed to be successful after high school.”

This experience was made possible through partnerships with The Florida Aquarium and Bank of America, and the Tampa YMCA is thankful for the opportunities these partnerships provide for students in our community. The AQUA Experience has taken place for the past three years and continues to give students hands-on learning experiences that connect education to real world careers.

Through the Teen Achievers program, the Tampa YMCA continues to provide opportunities that help students explore careers, build confidence and see new possibilities for their future. Programs like Teen Achievers are designed to help students discover their potential and begin thinking about the paths they want to pursue after high school and beyond.