Quasars to Sea Stars
Quasars to Sea Stars is a three-to-four year work/study/volunteer program for high school teens. Participants take Museum classes, learn from professional scientists, and volunteer in the community and at the Museum and Sea Center events. Upon completion of 60 hours of volunteer service, quasars also get paid as Museum employees for specific work shifts. Watch the video above to learn about the program from current quasars!
Applications for the 2025–2026 program year are now closed. Applications for the next Quasar year will open February 2026.
A year in the life of a quasar includes
- Summer camping trips to places around California such as the Channel Islands and the Sierras
- Field trips that include fun activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling
- Teaching others and giving public presentations on scientific concepts
- Creating innovative programs for the public
- Exploring careers related to science, nature, and museums with curators and other Museum professionals
- Earning community service hours
- Forging bonds with other local teens
- Having a blast!
Minimum Requirements and Commitments
- Must be a current eighth or ninth grader (or equivalent in age) to apply
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA
- School year: 20 hours per month
- Summer: 25 hours per week
- Reliable and motivated
QUASARS is a big commitment
All participants are expected to remain active in the program year-round until graduation. Summers are intensive. The school year is more flexible, but be prepared to commit some time to the program on a weekly basis.
QUASARS is about science and nature
This program is designed to bring students into contact with scientists, naturalists, museum professionals, college programs, organizations, events, and other opportunities in the science community.
QUASARS is a job
After you complete an established number of community service hours at the Museum, you are eligible to become a Museum employee! Some paid shifts focus on scientific research while others show you the ins and outs of running a museum.
QUASARS is fun!
Of course it's not all work and no play. Quasars go on unique field trips, explore the region, volunteer at festivals, become a part of the Museum and Sea Center community, make lasting friends, and discover their own amazing potential!
2025 Program Dates
- Applications deadline newly extended! Now due March 28, 2025
- In-person interviews for new quasars: April 2025
- Orientation week: June 16–20, 2025
- Summer term: June 16–August 11, 2025
- School year: Mid September 2025 through mid May
- Breaks: Aug 12–Aug 30, Dec 14–Jan 3, Jun 1–Jun 13
Eligible applicants will be available for all required dates listed above, and will miss no more than one week of the 2025 quasar summer.
For more information about Teen Programs
Contact Teen Programs Manager Haylee Rosso at hrosso@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 170.
The Quasars to Sea Stars program is possible thanks to the financial support of the following partners:
David and Lyn Anderson
The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation
Kirby Jones Foundation
Quasars to Sea Stars Endowment
Roger S. Firestone Foundation
Ann & Jerry Thrift
2024 Mission Creek Gala supporters
Quasar Application Form > 
