Quasars to Sea Stars

Quasars to Sea Stars is a three-to-four year work/research/volunteer program for high school teens. Participants take museum studies classes, learn from professional scientists, and volunteer throughout the community and at the Museum and Sea Center events. Upon completion of an initial 60 community service hours, Quasars become paid Museum employees and are scheduled for weekly work shifts. Watch the video above to learn about the program from current Quasars!

Applications for the 2026–2027 program year open February 1, 2026.

Quasar taking field notes

A year in the life of a Quasar includes

  • Summer camping trips to locations around California such as the Channel Islands and the Sierra Nevada Mountains
  • Field trips that include fun activities like hiking, habitat restoration, and birding
  • Exploring careers related to science, nature, and museums with curators and other Museum professionals
  • Conducting research and giving presentations on scientific concepts
  • Creating innovative programs for Museum visitors of all ages
  • Earning community service hours
  • Forging life-long friendships with other local teens
  • Having a blast!

A group of students listen to a geologist at the end of a vast landscape of volcanic rock

Minimum Requirements and Commitments

  • Must currently be in 8th or 9th grade (or equivalent in age) to apply
  • Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • School year: 20 hours per month
  • Summer: 25 hours per week
  • Reliable transportation to the Museum and Sea Center
  • Responsible 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 at least 5 hours 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 initial 60 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 museum operations.

QUASARS is fun!
Of course it's not all work and no play. Quasars go on unique field trips, explore the region, volunteer at events, become a part of the Museum and Sea Center community, make lasting friends, and discover their own amazing potential!

Young man in a paleontology lab cleaning matrix off a fossil for research

2026 Program Dates

  • Applications for the 2026–2027 program year open February 1, 2026.
  • Applications are due April 3, 2026 
  • In-person interviews for applicants: April 2026
  • Orientation week: June 21–27, 2026
  • Summer term: June 21–August 8, 2026
  • School year: September 13, 2026–May 27,2027 
  • Breaks: Aug 9–Sep 6, Dec 12–Jan 9, May 28–Jun 19 

Eligible applicants will be available for all required dates listed above, and will miss no more than one week of the 2026 summer term.

For more information about the Quasar program, contact Teen Programs Manager Haylee Rosso at hrosso@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 170.

Quasars out in nature

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
  • 2025 Mission Creek Gala supporters