Sharks & Rays

This Pre-College at Eckerd program is a chance for high school students to delve into the science of sharks and rays. They will learn about current research dealing with these fascinating animals, work in the laboratory with preserved specimens, and embark on field trips to see sharks and rays in their natural environment.

Students will learn about a variety of aspects of elasmobranch (shark and ray) science—including the animals’ unique characteristics and diversity, how they behave and interact with their aquatic environment and other species, and how scientists study these aspects of their biology and ecology.

Registration will open early January 2026. Sign up for our emails below for program updates.

Activities

Students should come prepared to:

  • Participate in lectures presented by scientists
  • Handle preserved specimens while identifying their key characteristics in the lab
  • Get wet while collecting and examining local species from the beach shore and College vessels
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  • Marine Pre-College Skyway (12 of 25) (1)
  • Two students holding large net in the water
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June 7-12, 2026

Grade level

Students entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2026

$2250

Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.

Program Requirement

Must be able to pass a pool swim test (in order to be aboard our vessels without wearing a life vest the whole time). The swim test is three full laps for a total of 150 yards, without touching the bottom of the pool, using any style and with no time limit. Otherwise, students may still participate fully, but must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft vessel.

Must have active health insurance.

Check-in: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

Check-out: Friday, 2:30 p.m.

Required Forms

Parent/Guardian Waiver
Medical and Travel Form

Eckerd Marine Science in the news

Room and Board

Facilities

Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275 exit 17.

Directions & Map

Counselors

Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained current Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Housing

Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls in double-occupancy rooms, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. At least one Counselor will reside in a single room alongside participants on each floor of each single-sex residence hall.

Meals

Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.

Faculty

Dr. William A. Szelistowski, Director
Associate Professor of Marine Science & Biology

Dr. Laura R. Wetzel
Professor of Marine Science and Geosciences

Refund Policy

Withdrawal DateRefund
60 days before start date100%
30 days before start date50%
20 days before start date20%
<20 days before start date0%

Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.

No refund will be issued for the following:

  • If a participant fails to show up for the program.
  • If a participant is dismissed from the program by the College.

Participants who cancel their registration and are eligible for a refund should contact precollege@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8422.

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