Museum Education and Employment Program

The Museum Education and Employment Program (MEEP) interns at the American Museum of Natural History are college students: 

• who enjoy learning new things—MEEP interns are curious. They strive to deepen their own understanding of the world around them and actively seek new ideas and experiences. 
• who like engaging in conversation and sharing stories—MEEP interns enjoy meeting and talking with people. They know that listening is just as, if not more, important than speaking when having conversations. They know that conversations are enriched by the more perspectives that are included. 
• who have a passion for justice—MEEP interns are anti-racist. They want to be part of the conversation of pushing our world towards equality and fairness. They welcome ideas and experiences that are new, unknown, and different from their own.
• who work well with others—MEEP interns value collaboration and giving/receiving feedback. They are able to be both critical and compassionate, even if they’re having a tough day. They are able to reflect on their experiences and how they impact others in order to refine their approach.

What does a MEEP intern do?

MEEP interns participate in an in-depth paid training program where they learn how to have science conversations through interactive and reflective workshops. They then engage Museum visitors in science conversations in Museum halls. 

In 2019, the American Museum of Natural History received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) called Next Generation Museum Conversations. This grant aims to develop and pilot a new facilitation and visitor engagement strategy that reflects current standards and research on science education and learning. The project will shift the training of its diverse cohort of college youth facilitators to prepare them to engage visitors in a deeper understanding of science, rather than simply conveying facts. For more information about the IMLS-Next Generation Museum Conversation Grant Project click here.

What is the MEEP schedule like? 

MEEP Interns are paid $16/hr and work 16-20 hours a week for approximately 10 weeks, roughly half of those hours are paid workshops to prepare them for working in a museum hall and the other half are spent on the floor of the museum engaging with visitors. 

Training Workshops

MEEP interns participate in approximately 75 hours of workshops Monday - Friday both in-person and virtually. Training Workshop Dates: June 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, June 27 - July 1

Working with Visitors

MEEP Interns will work up to 20 hours a week on the floor of the museum engaging with visitors. Shifts will be available Wednesday-Saturday from the week of July 4 through August 19. There will also be 2 hours each week of continued professional learning and reflection learning about the variety of careers in science, museums, and education. They will also receive support for finding their next job or internship opportunity and an invitation to our Museum Alumni Network.

What are the job requirements? 

• You’re an undergraduate student.
• You’ve completed at least 1 semester of college but are not a senior. 
• We particularly encourage students who self-identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and/or first-generation college students to apply.

How do I apply? 

To apply you will need to complete this application form by April 5, 2022

• The form will ask you to:
  • Submit a PDF or Word Doc of your resume w/ 2-3 references. References should include Name of Reference, Relationship to you, Phone Number, Email Address.
  • Answer 3 short answer questions. We suggest you write your answers to the questions BEFORE starting the application via this form. (Answers should be a maximum of 1000 characters or 150 words each) 
    • How will this internship support your future career goals?
    • Describe a recent science conversation you had with friends or family. What did you discuss and why?
    • Reflect on a challenging obstacle that you have faced. What have you learned about yourself from that experience?