Teen Programs: Investigating Where We Live

Education Department

The National Building Museum’s Education Department seeks interns who are interested in learning about museum education program development and working with youth. Interns will work with Investigating Where We Live, a summer program that offers teens hands-on opportunities to learn about the history and culture of Washington, D.C. Program interns work directly with Museum staff to help participants develop their skills in a variety of creative mediums, exhibition design, and collaboration. Interns will gain experience in museum education theories and practices, project management, and program planning and evaluation. Internships with Investigating Where We Live are directly supervised by the Director of Community Engagement.

Opportunities include

• Developing skills in planning, prototyping, teaching, and evaluating educational experiences for youth by assisting a Museum Teacher in creating weekly plans, excursions, and group discussion topics for a team of approximately 10–12 teenagers
• Developing skills in exhibition development, design, and installation by assisting the Director of Community Engagement in planning gallery space and associated graphic design elements
• Developing skills in graphic design
• Sharing daily happenings and documentation of the program through photography, video, and social media platform
• Sharing knowledge and skills in photography, art-making, creative writing, exhibition design, critical thinking, creativity, and/or teamwork with participants
• Cultivating collaboration and communication skills
• Developing skills in project management and systems organization by maintaining studio classroom space, supporting set up and clean up, replenishing program supplies, and supporting program logistics

Qualifications

• Ability to work with youth ages 13–18
• Ability to work well with people of all ages of backgrounds and experiences different than your own
• Ability to work effectively individually and on teams
• Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity
• Ability and willingness to travel across the city and spend time outdoors
• Knowledge of or experience in at least one of the following fields: landscape architecture, community design, parks and public space, place-making, D.C. history, photography, fine arts, design, art history, curating, exhibition development or design, the design process, or the built environment.
• Experience in or knowledge of museum educator or museum studies a plus

Commitment

Internship begins mid-June and ends mid-August. Time commitment is Monday–Thursday, generally 9 am–4 pm. Interns should plan to attend the exhibition opening on Saturday, August 10. Internship is unpaid, but lunch is provided on official Investigating Where We Live program days and interns can take full advantage the Museum’s volunteer benefits, which include access to the Museum’s exhibitions and programs, and discounts in the Museum Shop.

To apply

Send resume and cover letter to teenprograms@nbm.org, subject: IWWL Internship. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis through Tuesday, April 30.