Summer Teen Volunteers

Two teens kneel on a tile floor next to a child. They are all looking at a small object one of the teens is holding out in her hand.

We love sharing our passion for science and natural history with future leaders in the field. We offer two programs that invite qualified high schoolers—from rising freshmen to students about to begin senior year—to spend their summers learning and sharing with visitors. 

Teen volunteers bring the Field Museum to life for visitors of all ages. 

Teens must commit to volunteer at least 10 days throughout the summer to successfully complete the program and qualify to apply for future year-round volunteering.

For current high school students

Where you'll work

Summer teen volunteers split their time between the Crown Family PlayLab and interpretive carts in Stanley Field Hall.

In the PlayLab, volunteers are trained to interact with young learners in a hands-on educational setting, facilitate drop-in programming, and help keep the space running smoothly. With interpretive carts, teens engage visitors and handle and share artifacts and specimens.

Application process

Applications for our summer teen volunteer program are currently closed. We will accept applications January 7–March 4, 2019. 

Teens must be current high school students at the time of application. (Current eighth graders going into high school can apply to our Bridge Program, see below.) 

There is limited capacity for this competitive program—only the top candidates are selected! Our teen volunteers are outgoing, think quickly on their feet, and love learning about the world around them. Interested teens should demonstrate a strong interest in the natural sciences and/or early childhood education. Bilingual candidates are a plus. 

A group of teens surround a teen who, on the back of her outstretched hand, has a small reptile that another teen is touching.

Teen volunteers meet Museum scientists.

For students starting high school

Graduating eighth graders can get an introduction to the Teen Volunteer Program through our Bridge Program. 

It’s an opportunity for young teens from across Chicagoland to learn about the Museum and teen volunteer program—and develop valuable skills in education and public speaking through hands-on learning and behind-the-scenes experiences with scientists.

As part of their curriculum—which is designed by teen volunteers—participants develop a mini-program in their area of interest and present it to the public in Stanley Field Hall on the last day of the program.

Application Process

Applications for the Bridge Program are currently closed and reopen in January. We will accept applications January 7–March 15, 2019, with in-person group interviews scheduled in spring.