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Teen Programs Internship

Museum of Fine Arts Boston
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Teen Programs Internship – Fall 2025

 The MFA is pleased to offer a paid internship in the Teen Programs Department within the Learning and Community Engagement Division. This internship opportunity is offered to an outstanding student who is currently an undergraduate attending an accredited university. The criteria for this internship are:

 

  • Currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program
  • Proof of Federal Student Aid eligibility (i.e., page one of FAFSA report declaring you are eligible for aid: please redact your income and any award amounts)

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Learning & Community Engagement Division is responsible for programs that give visitors of all ages opportunities to make direct connections with the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. The Division offers internships to college students who enjoy working with teens and are interested in learning more about the many facets of Museum Education.

Teen Programs includes three major program areas: The Teen Arts Council (TAC), STEAM Team (Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math), and Curatorial Study Hall (CSH).  

The TAC is a 19-year-old program that employs 13 Boston-area high school juniors and seniors. TAC members are introduced to a wide range of museum professions and learning opportunities while also gaining valuable work experience. They have the opportunity to work on a variety of activities such as creating and producing teen focused events, greeting, and giving information to Museum visitors, and creating wall labels to accompany the Museum’s art collection. They also attend workshops and training sessions designed to develop their creative and critical thinking skills and workplace competencies while serving as ambassadors to their peers by inviting them to engage with the MFA.  

The STEAM Team centers on science, technology, engineering, art, and math and consists of six (6) teens.  The STEAM Team works closely with the museum’s Conservation staff.  They watch art go through its metamorphosis from existing out in the world to being displayed in galleries. 

Finally, our Curatorial Study Hall allows six (6) teens the opportunity to curate exhibitions within the museum.  CSH Teens research, pick pieces from the collection, write labels and curate their thought process as an exhibition in the museum galleries.   

This internship is offered three times a year and takes place on-site in the Museum’s galleries. Teen Program Interns assist by helping the teens to understand a range of art concepts, navigate museum culture through our various programs, and explore the galleries. Interns are expected to carry out their daily responsibilities, assist with the development of systems that help the teen programs run efficiently and help implement lesson plans within the three programs. This is a valuable opportunity for those interested in working with teens, explore working in a museum setting, as well as gain pre-practicum experience when applying to the workforce.

The Teen Programs Intern will receive tangible educational benefits such as planning, and implementation process required in launching/sustaining new initiatives within the MFA’s Teen Programs.  Interns will have the chance to pursue learning and networking opportunities within the Museum while also contributing to the inner workings of the department with particular emphasis on youth initiatives and daily facilitation. The three distinctively different programs allow for diverse new challenges.

This experience will afford the selected intern a variety of opportunities to:

  • Work alongside a range of experienced professionals who are motivated to provide mentorship and guidance. 
  • Gain valuable skills in customer service by communicating with a variety of audiences, visitors, and teens.
  • Understand the different stages of teen development by working directly with high school students. 
  • Learn skills in program management, conflict resolution, and meeting diverse needs.
  • Learn valuable communication skills by working both in-person and in virtual classroom spaces.
  • Learn the intricacies of art inquiry discussions, galleries, and programming by working in an encyclopedic institution.   
  • Review the process of curriculum development and effective lesson planning.
  • Develop reflective practice habits to set goals.
  • Hear from museum professionals during enrichment sessions to gain more exposure to museum life.

The selected intern must be able to commit to work onsite 8-10 hours per week, (Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm, Thursdays 4pm to 7pm, from Sept 12 through Dec 12), and attend the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy. (*This subsidy is subject to taxes.)

Responsibilities

  • Support Teen Staff with program management and logistical implementation of all three programs within the museum.
  • Maintain the organization and technical support in the office.
  • Help Coordinators prepare projects for Teens.
  • Supervise Teens during programming and lunch periods.
  • Escort Teens around the museum and other various locations.
  • Support the Teens in developing career, organizational and social competencies.
  • Maintain communication with both internal staff and external community partners who work with Teen Programs. 
  • *Prepare and offer a 3–5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship on Fri, Dec 5, as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution, ensuring that diversity, equity, and access are lived values, we actively encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program. 

Qualifications

  • Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited university concurrent with the internship period. (Those studying Art Education, Sociology/Psychology Education and Liberal Arts are encouraged to apply.)
  • Proof of Federal Student Aid eligibility (i.e., page one of FAFSA report declaring you are eligible for aid: please redact your income and any award amounts)
  • Proof of eligibility to work for pay in the United States.
  • Passionate interest in Youth and/or Program Development, Art, Community Relations, and Public Affairs 
  • Demonstrated interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) disciplines
  • Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
  • Proven ability to interact successfully with high school students.
  • Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and take initiative. 
  • Ability to commit to work onsite 8-10 hours per week, (Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm, Thursdays 4pm to 7pm from September 12 through December 12), and attend the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Sept 19, Sept 26, Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21, and Dec 5.
  • Ability to attend orientation on Fri, Sept 12, 2025, 10am to 3:30pm. 

How to Apply 

  • DO NOT INCLUDE any document, (e.g., transcripts, writing samples, or even recommendations), that is not specifically requested within this description.
  1. Combine your cover letter and resume into a single document, (Word or PDF). The cover letter must include all of the following: 
    1. the title of the internship for which you are applying (one internship per application)
    2. how the named internship fits into your academic and/or career goals
    3. why your specific skills/experience/interests qualify you for the internship
    4. any periods when you are not available for an in-person interview 
    5. your contact information including e-mail and daytime phone 
  2. Save your document file as (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_POSITIONTITLE_Fall2025)
  3. Upload the single document as your resume via the ADP portal Internships | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ASAP before August 11, 2025.  
  4. Candidates may apply for no more than two internships per season, and must submit a separate cover letter/resume document for each position. 
  5. **Direct any/all questions to: intern@mfa.org before submitting your application. Applications not conforming to these guidelines may be deemed ineligible.