Museum Education Experience Program

Part of Higher Education

Two interns with the Museum Education Employment Program (MEEP) stand behind a booth and show a specimen to two young visitors and their parent.
Do you want to inspire curiosity in a captivating environment where science, community, and communication intertwine?

Join us on this transformative journey of learning and make a lasting impact on museum visitors of all ages connecting to science and the natural world.

You’d be a great MEEP intern if you value…

Curiosity. MEEP Interns are curious about their surroundings. They value deepening their understanding of the world and actively seek out knowledge, new ideas, and experiences.

Communication. MEEP Interns enjoy meeting and talking with new groups of people. They practice active listening and value conversations as a tool for learning and growing. 

Collaboration. MEEP Interns value working together. They know that personal and collective growth comes from the ability to give and receive feedback. They are both critical and compassionate and actively reflect on their experiences and their impact.

Coalition. MEEP interns want to be part of the momentum pushing our world toward equity. They value ideas and experiences that are new, unknown, and different from their own and never shy away from imagining many ways to strengthen our connections to one another and our natural world.  

What does a MEEP intern do?

Through our comprehensive learning program, interns develop the skillful art of initiating engaging science conversations through our interactive and reflective workshops. MEEP interns initiate science discussions with our Museum’s visitors using the halls as a launchpad. They go beyond conveying mere facts to support our people in fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the science content in our exhibition spaces.

What is the typical MEEP schedule like?

This immersive program provides a valuable chance for hands-on learning and career growth. Interns are required to commit up to 10 hours per week, specifically between Thursday and Saturday, once admitted to either a Fall or Spring session. Summer interns can complete up to 20 hours a week. All internship hours will be completed in-person at the Museum. 

The Summer 2024 internship session runs from Monday, June 3 through August 9, 2024.

Over the course of the Summer program, interns will be assigned up to 20 hours a week for the duration of the internship. This time includes mandatory workshops, special events, and additional tasks.

Learning Workshops

MEEP interns participate in interactive, reflective workshops and training modules at the Museum. This component of the internship is mandatory. No virtual options are available for the training. We encourage applicants to carefully consider if they can fully commit to the time frame outlined in the program description before applying to the internship. Each training day is 4 hours long. 

The Summer MEEP Program will begin on Monday, June 3 - August 9, 2024.

Stipend Support

Interns can be awarded a stipend of up to $2,500 to support their commute and other expenses while participating in the program. The stipend will be paid in monthly installments during the term of the internship, and contingent on interns fulfilling the requirements of the workshops and their presence at the Museum for the duration of the internship program. 

Other opportunities

The programs host advisories for continued reflection and professional learning about various careers in science, museums, and education. Interns can receive support for finding their next job or internship opportunity and an invitation to our Museum Alumni Network.

Are there any requirements for applying to the internship? 

  • You’re an undergraduate student. Note: You will be required to upload documentation that you are a current undergraduate student (for example, current or next semester class schedule)
  • You’ve completed at least one semester of college. 
  • You must go to school or have a residence in New York City. *Please enter your New York City residence address in the application. The Museum does not cover the costs of housing or relocation expenses. 

We encourage students who self-identify as Black, Latine, Indigenous, and/or first-generation college students to apply, especially if they have not had formal internship experiences.

How do I apply for the internship program?

To apply, you must complete this application form.

We’ll ask you to upload:

  • A PDF copy of your resume
  • Documentation that you are a current undergraduate student (for example, current or next semester class schedule)
  • The names and contact information for 3 references. Note: We do not ask for letters of recommendation from your references. References will be asked to submit a short survey. Your references will only be contacted when you’ve been confirmed to interview with a Museum staff member. 

You’ll also be asked to submit 3 short answer responses to the following questions. 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 something new you’ve learned in the past year. How has that knowledge impacted your perspective?

Questions?

If you have additional questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Question. 

Due to the high volume of applications and interest, we cannot offer individualized feedback on your application. Final notifications for the Summer program will be sent by April 2024.

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

 

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