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.

Credits

The Museum Education and Employment Program is generously supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under grant number MA-10-19-0593-19.

Additional support has been provided by a gift from the Michael Levandowsky Living Trust.

The Museum’s Education Collection is generously supported by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation.