Teen museum-based research programs and fellowships provide teenagers with extensive, hands-on opportunities in the sciences, arts, curating, and museum professions. Mentorship, paid internships, and the opportunity to work on actual museum projects are all usually part of these opportunities. The following are ten of the top programs in the United States:
1. Teen Gallery Guides at the Getty Center & Getty Villa (CA)
Focus : Art interpretation, research, gallery teaching, and public engagement.
Location: Los Angeles, California (Getty Center & Getty Villa).
Eligibility: High school students (preferably 15–18); Getty Villa program gives preference to students who reside in or attend high school in Boyle Heights; must be available during the length of the summer session.
Deadline: Applications for summer 2025 open in February 2025.
Special Features:
Paid summer internship with transportation provided.
Interns look at and describe works of art, study and observe study and teaching techniques, and conduct interactive gallery experiences for young visitors.
They also have mentorship by museum educators, such as special workshops, and career exploration in museum professions.
2. Aldrich Teen Fellows – The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (CT)
Focus: Contemporary art, curation, creative interaction, event production.
Location: Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Eligibility: Local area high school students; available to teenagers of all backgrounds statewide; no charge to participate.
Deadline: Application for Spring 2025 session now accepted; other sessions available for interest.
Special Features:
Work one-to-one with artists and museum staff to develop creative projects and events.
Work with a budget and design public programs, media, and installations as a response to exhibitions on view.
Leadership, teamwork, and creative problem-solving focus.
3. Teen Interns at the MIT Museum (MA)
Focus: STEAM event planning, public programming, museum education, and communication.
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Eligibility: Age 16+, high school students; academic-year commitment.
Deadline: Varies each year; see museum website.
Special Features:
Paid internship in which teens co-create and lead STEAM events for the general public.
Work closely with MIT researchers and museum experts, learning teamwork and public outreach.
Have access to leading-edge science and technology.
4. Currently Under Curation (CUC) Fellows – Cleveland Museum of Art (OH)
Focus: Exhibition design, curation, research, leadership.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio.
Eligibility: Cleveland-area high school students.
Deadline: Varies from year to year; usually opens in autumn.
Special Features:
Sponsored stipend program whereby teenagers develop plans for exhibitions and projects leading to a public exhibition.
Fellows pursue research, work with museum professionals, and learn communication and leadership.
Gain experience in exhibition planning and audience interaction.
5. Smithsonian Institution Young Ambassador Program (DC)
Focus: Museum studies, cultural research, leadership, and Latino heritage.
Location: Washington, DC, and participating museums in several states.
Eligibility: Seniors in 2024 high schools (for 2025, see new eligibility); U.S. citizens or lawfully residing; 3.25 minimum GPA.
Deadline: Mar. 15, 2024 (for 2024); see next cycle.
Special Features:
High-level summer program with $2,000 allowance.
Leadership training, museum tours, and paid internship at a museum or cultural institution.
Emphasis on Latino culture, research, and community involvement.
6. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internships (NY)
Focus: Museum research, public programming, collections support, and art history.
Location: New York, New York.
Eligibility: High school students (grades 10–12); some opportunities available to NYC residents only.
Deadline: Varies by session; see Met website.
Special Features:
Paid and unpaid internships during the school year and summer.
Interns work on research projects, exhibitions support, and presentation of results to staff and other interns.
Mentorship, workshops, and behind-the-scenes experience.
7. American Museum of Natural History Science Research Mentoring Program (NY)
Focus: Museum collections, STEM skills, mentorship, science research.
Location: New York, New York.
Eligibility: NYC region; 10th and 11th graders; no prior research background necessary.
Deadline: March 2024 for 2024–2025; check to see if there is a next cycle.
Special Features:
Year-long program with stipend.
Independently researched work with scientists at the museums, contribution to collections, and presentation at a science symposium.
One-on-one mentoring and possible publication or conference presentation.
8. Art Speak Internship – Asian Art Museum (CA)
Focus: Asian art, cultural research, social justice, and youth leadership.
Location: San Francisco, California.
Eligibility: Bay Area students in grades 10–12; priority given to Bay Area applicants.
Deadline: Program temporarily on hold; look for updates.
Special Features:
Year-long internship with stipend.
Interns collaborate with artists, research, and create design for youth-led events centered around art and social change.
Leadership training, networking, and advocacy opportunities.
9. TEENS – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (IL)
Focus: Urban ecology, field and lab research, museum collections, and community science.
Location: Chicago, Illinois.
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicago area; fall, spring, and summer sessions.
Deadline: Apr 14 for summer 2025 session.
Special Features:
Paid internship with approximately 60 students every year.
Teenagers design and carry out field studies, make additions to museum collections, and rehabilitate local ecosystems.
STEM program accredited recognized in college application.
10. Teen Arts Council – Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MA)
Focus: Event planning, museum careers, leadership, and public outreach.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts.
Eligibility: Boston area high school students.
Deadline: Varies annually; see MFA website.
Special Features:
Year-long, paid program.
Teenagers develop leadership skills, plan events, design exhibitions, and work with museum professionals.
Teenagers work on teen-focused projects and gain exposure to careers in museums.
These programs offer teens immersive experiences in research, curation, and leadership, while building professional skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and sciences. Participants often emerge with strong portfolios, new mentors, and a clearer path toward museum-related careers.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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