Rising Grades 9–12 (in 2025–2026 school year)
Junior Interpreters are teens who are passionate about sharing the wonders of science and the natural world with others. Junior Interpreters interact directly with the public out on the Museum floor and provide positive, educational experiences for visitors using natural history specimens from the Museum’s collections.
Teens in the program will have the chance to develop valuable speaking and customer service skills while building a strong knowledge of natural science topics, and passing that knowledge along to Museum visitors of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. These dedicated Museum ambassadors serve as representatives of the Museum and help advance the Museum’s mission of illuminating the natural world and inspiring its conservation.
Fee: $75/summer. Fee covers orientation meeting, food, T-shirt and program equipment like nametags, props and animal models.
- Workday shifts will take place in the mornings (10am–1pm) or afternoons (1–4pm) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays for 10 weeks, June 16–August 21, 2026.
- Students will be allowed to reschedule a maximum of three out of 10 shifts due to family vacations, illness or other commitments.
- A required new student orientation will be held on Saturday, May 9 from 10am to 5pm.
- An end-of-summer celebration will be held at the Museum downtown on Thursday, August 21 from 4pm to 6pm at the conclusion of the program.
How to Apply
The application deadline is Monday, March 23, 2026. Candidate group interviews will be held April 14–16.Junior Interpreter Application Form
Junior Interpreter Teacher Recommendation Form
Please note that space in this competitive program is especially limited this fall, and we anticipate receiving more applications than we can accept.