If you are a teen looking to work in a museum or participate in a program at a museum, then this is the page for you. (If you work with teens or have a teen, then you can help steer them to a program or job opportunity that might interest them.) Teen Programming can be found at Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, National Museum of Mexican Art, Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Contemporary Art. Paid Teen Internships can be found at Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Teen Creative Agency
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) is the MCA’s cultural leadership program for Chicago-area teens (14–19 years old). TCA members come together from all over the city and use contemporary art and the museum to create, dream, and envision around issues that are important to them. Members meet weekly to increase their agency and collaboration skills, build community, and develop creative projects and public events under the guidance of two Lead Artists. Weekly sessions include time in the galleries, visits to other cultural sites, meetings with artists and museum staff, and time to work on collaborative projects. This year, TCA is focusing on projects related to anti-racism work and activism.
Apply now at: https://forms.office.com/r/y1J7Xfie4b
Adler Planetarium
At the Adler, we believe in the natural curiosity and visionary leadership of Chicago’s youth and strive to create a welcoming space for personal growth and scientific experimentation. Adler Teen Programs provide opportunities for young people to engage deeply with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), prepare for a variety of careers, act as community thinkers and change-makers, and meet peers from across the city all while having fun! Learn more at Teens at Adler
The Art Institute of Chicago
Teen Free Admission
The Museum is always free for Chicago teens 17 and under! As of 2/11/2021 the museum is open with new hours and safety procedures. You’ll need to get your free ticket in advance, so check the website for updates, tickets, and the most current information about what’s happening.
Teen Audio Guide
The guide is available for streaming on the website, and is part of the Art Institute of Chicago Official Mobile App.
National Museum of Mexican Art
Yollocalli Arts Reach is the teen and youth program of the National Museum of Mexican Art. Free art and digital media programs are offered yearly for students ages 13-24. Yollocalli Art Studios are located in both Little Village and Pilsen.
Shedd Aquarium
Teen Workshops and Nature Days
Teen Virtual Workshops
Connect with animals, your peers and Shedd staff during our Teen Virtual Workshops. Learn about local and global conservation and explore careers at Shedd. Join us to discover new interests, engage in STEAM topics and investigate the aquatic world!
Programs are free, but registration is required. For dates and details visit Virtual Teen Workshops | Shedd Aquarium
Teen Nature Days (In-Person)
Take action for animals and the environment by participating in our Teen Nature Days! You’ll get to explore local beaches, waterways and forest preserves, while helping to restore and protect them. Join us to connect with nature and engage in conservation!
Programs are free, but registration is required. For dates and details visit Teen Nature Days with Shedd Aquarium | Shedd Aquarium
Teen Employment Opportunities
Adler Planetarium
The current positions are filled. See the Teen Summer Opportunities page for future work options.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The current positions are filled. See the Teen Summer Opportunities page for future work options. Or you can email teens@artic.edu to get updates and ask questions.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) – Summer, Fall, and Spring (ASM Advanced Apprenticeship)
Explore nature in the city, participate in hands-on scientific investigations, and learn about career paths in ecology, environmental science, and conservation! Participants in the Teenagers Exploring and Explaining Nature and Science (TEENS) program conduct urban ecology and environmental science investigations, and study the nature found in our city’s parks, neighborhoods, and forest preserves. Teens contribute data to existing local, regional and global research projects and work in teams to develop their own research questions to investigate. Program participants learn how to use mobile devices to collect data in the field and create digital maps and other data visualizations. Teens earn $15/hour for participation in this After School Matters internship program!
Apply here: afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
Camp Counselor Internship – Summer (ASM Internship)
Counselors review activities, prepare for camp sessions, and participate in staff training. Counselors bring high energy and enthusiasm each day as they help supervise up to thirty campers. By the end of the internship, counselors develop skills and knowledge in lesson implementation, informal education instruction, verbal communication skills, large group management (including age-appropriate management strategies), and content knowledge in local habitats and science. *All interns need a social security number. This is a full-time, paid seasonal opportunity. For more information about Nature Museum Camps, visit naturemuseumcamp.org. Apply through After School Matters at afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
