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Interns from Suncoast Technical College help with our mangrove livestream, February 2025
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Environmental Discovery Awards Program (EDAP) 2026: Summer Internship Opportunities
Applications are now open for students to apply for paid summer internships through the Environmental Discovery Awards Program (EDAP). EDAP provides high-quality, paid experiential learning opportunities for students with an interest in science, environmental studies, education, and related fields.
To participate in EDAP, students must:
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Be enrolled in Spring 2025 courses at one of the following institutions:
- New College of Florida
- State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
- The Ringling / Florida State University
- Ringling College of Art + Design
- University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee Campus
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.
- Demonstrate financial need, either as a Pell Grant recipient during the 2024 academic year or through other substantiated financial need.
- Be enrolled in science and environmental studies programs or demonstrate interest in environmental studies.
Member organizations of the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, along with additional partner organizations, are offering a range of summer field and professional internships as part of the 2026 EDAP cohort.
Featured Internship: STEMVentures with Mote – Livestreaming Summer Science
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Organization Mission
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium advances marine and environmental sciences to support new discoveries, revitalization, sustainability, and greater public understanding of our oceans through innovative research, education, and outreach.
Learn more about Mote’s mission
Project Overview
STEMVentures at Mote SEA is a summer internship focused on the live production of virtual STEM education programs using MARVEN (Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator). Interns support livestreamed science experiences for virtual summer camps and partner programs, working both indoors at the Mote Science Education Aquarium and outdoors in field-based and behind-the-scenes research settings.
Internship Responsibilities
- Pre-Production and Partner Support: Assist with planning and coordination with virtual camp partners, including reviewing schedules, program goals, technical needs, and run-of-show plans.
- Livestream Setup and Live Production: Help set up and operate cameras, microphones, lighting, and mobile broadcast equipment. Support multi-camera workflows, signal flow and basic switching, assist with shot selection and camera movement, monitor audio, and troubleshoot in real time during live broadcasts in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Chat Moderation and Audience Engagement: Assist with chat moderation and engagement, relay participant questions to on-camera educators, support interactive prompts or polls, and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and age-appropriate environment.
- Documentation and Post-Production: Assist with recording sessions, organizing and labeling media assets, and editing short video clips or highlight reels for educator follow-up, evaluation, and promotional use.
- Workflow Testing and Equipment Support: Help test and refine MARVEN livestream workflows, assist with basic equipment care and inventory, and support accessibility and clarity in live science communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Live Media Production Skills: Develop practical skills in livestream production, including camera operation, audio management, lighting, switching workflows, and real-time troubleshooting in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Science Communication and Audience Engagement: Build effective science communication skills by supporting and participating in live and recorded programs, moderating livestream chat, engaging virtual audiences, and, when appropriate, serving as on-camera talent for STEM education.
- Professional Workflow and Collaboration: Gain experience working within a professional education and media production team by coordinating with virtual camp partners, following run-of-show plans, documenting workflows, and delivering real-world project outcomes on schedule.
Qualifications
- Program Eligibility: Must be a current student enrolled in an EDAP-approved school, with coursework or demonstrated interest in digital media, video production, broadcasting, communications, education, or a related field.
- Interest in Livestream Production and STEM Education: Strong interest in livestreaming, video production, digital storytelling, or interactive media, along with an interest in supporting STEM, environmental, or science education programs for youth audiences.
- Technical Aptitude and Willingness to Learn: Basic familiarity with cameras, audio equipment, computers, or media software is preferred but not required. Must be willing to learn new equipment, follow established workflows, and troubleshoot in live broadcast settings.
- Communication Skills and Professional Conduct: Ability to communicate clearly, follow instructions, and work calmly in a live, fast-paced environment. Professional behavior is required when interacting with staff, educators, partners, and K–6 audiences.
- On-Camera or Behind-the-Scenes Participation: Willingness to work either on camera or behind the scenes based on aptitude and program needs.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a small production and education team, accept feedback, and contribute to shared goals and real-time problem solving.
- Scheduling and Physical Requirements: Availability during scheduled summer virtual camp sessions, rehearsals, and preparation times. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, stand for extended periods, carry light equipment, and move safely through aquarium and field-based environments.
- Background Check and Fingerprinting: Must successfully complete required background screening and fingerprinting for educational programs involving children, in accordance with Mote policies and partner requirements.
- Alignment with Mote’s Mission: Interest in marine science, wildlife care, conservation, or informal science education, and willingness to represent Mote professionally during live and recorded programs.
Hours, Dates, and Location
- Schedule: 15–30 hours/week for 10 weeks
- Dates: May 20 – August 7
- Location: On-site at Mote City Island (1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL) and Mote Science Education Aquarium (225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL)
Apply to EDAP
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDT0LVwm7GWyBvKNrzjF2dzXmL151MtSNEke1jhFxsFo2bBg/viewform
View All Available Internship Opportunities
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGZrBDRKS8/2h0awpxiadYjYr6KlgxECA/view
Application Deadline
February 13 at 11:59 PM
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