Shedd Start: A Career Experience Program

Problem:• High school students are unfamiliar of aquatic

careers.• Aquatic sciences are not being taught in schools.• Difficulty accessing experiences and limited

opportunities to explore interest. • Need people to manage aquatic resources and

environments.

Audience:• High School Students; Reasons:

• They will take it seriously and make the most of it

• Narrowing down their interests• More likely to ask good questions and

appreciate the experience• The goal is to have a diverse group with various

exposure to the fieldPlan:

Our plan is to establish a program for high school students to connect with aquatic careers through Shedd Aquarium by allowing them to shadow people with jobs in various fields, such as researchers, aquarists, and trainers.

Project Implementation:• Pilot program for high school students• Participants assist staff in daily tasks• They have an opportunity to talk informally with staff• Media share out piece with the public through blogging,

photo journals, and video

Careers to Shadow:• Aquarist• Marine Mammals Trainer• Researchers

Our Vision of Success:• High school students choosing aquatic

science careers.• Students seek more experiences to continue

learning about aquatic careers.

“…I think people in

aquatics and natural

sciences deserve a lot

more credit for what they

do. I would also be

interested in hearing

more about what they do

specifically and the

impact they make.”