Arts Opportunities for High School Students

Students live on the Cornell campus while taking undergraduate courses and interacting with students from diverse backgrounds.

The Lancaster Museum of Art and History seeks volunteers who are passionate about art and history. As a volunteer, you will work closely with staff and gain hands-on experience contributing to the museum's operations.

Media Makers interns learn various media production skills, creating projects on social issues affecting their communities. They gain expertise in digital illustration, graphic design, animation, public artwork, and social media strategy, using tools like drawing tablets and Adobe Photoshop.

Volunteers at the Santa Clarita History Center, known as docents, give guided tours of the museum and share local history with school groups and community organizations.

High school students in the San Francisco Unified School District can participate in stipend-based internships related to their interests, but placements are limited and not all students will be offered a spot.

High school students in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute's Legacy Youth Leadership Program participate in weekly workshops and internships to develop leadership skills and knowledge about African American history and culture.

This paid internship allows New York City teens to work with teaching artists, assist in classes, and explore art, education, and museum careers, building their résumés in the process.

The Tallgrass Film Association's Emerging Filmmaker Program is open to students aged 13-18 who will learn from professionals in the film industry, covering topics like film criticism, directing, and video editing. Students will work on hands-on projects, including reviewing movies, producing promotional videos, and creating a short film.

High school students in the Student Historian intern program conduct research and create digital projects at New-York Historical, learning about careers in museums, libraries, and history fields.

New York City public high school students can participate in a challenging apprenticeship program at a museum. The program includes a spring training and part-time work during the summer in different departments. Apprentices may lead tours and gain insight into various aspects of the museum's operations.

The Art Institute Teen Council is a group of 15 high school students who design programs and resources to make the museum a welcoming space for youth, with past projects including teen art exhibitions and audio guides.

At the Exploratorium, high school and early college students work as Explainers, interacting with visitors, exploring exhibits, and performing demonstrations on the museum floor.

The Artpace Teen Council is a nine-month program for San Antonio area high school students. Members work with staff and artists to develop teen programs, support events, and create community-based projects.

The Apollo Theater Academy High School Internship Program offers paid opportunities for high school seniors to gain professional experience in the arts and entertainment industries through hands-on training and workshops.

This project focuses on health advocacy and education, involving partnerships, research, and community building. Students can expand this project to their school or campus, participating in initiatives and events with other youth and organizations.

The Urban Journalism Workshop at New York University brings together high school juniors and seniors from New York City and surrounding suburbs for an intensive 10-day journalism workshop at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.

WBA internships offer hands-on learning experiences in facility and tournament management, marketing, and mentoring. Students gain career readiness skills and work directly with the public.

The Young Adult Leadership Council at ArtsWestchester is a program for youth aged 16-22. Members meet bi-monthly to plan and develop teen programs, including the Teen Tuesday and Thursday programs, at ArtsWestchester's gallery in downtown White Plains.

High school juniors and seniors in New York City are part of the Usher Corps, a paid internship that offers professional training, workshops, and hands-on experience working with kids and families in a fast-paced environment.

SF YouthWorks provides paid job readiness training, workshops, and internships at various SF City Departments, including the Public Utilities Commission and the SF International Airport.

The Teen Conservation Leaders program teaches marine biology and conservation skills through a week-long summer training, followed by hands-on projects and community service hours.

LGBTQ+ youth in NYC ages 14-19 work together to create art and organize programs for other queer and trans youth through a paid internship.

The Noguchi Museum's Teen Advisory Board is a paid internship where high school students learn about Isamu Noguchi's life and art, work on collaborative projects, and focus on social justice and community empowerment.

The Explorers Program at the Newark Museum helps local high school students build essential skills and confidence through a curriculum that utilizes the museum's resources and staff expertise.

Boston-based Artists For Humanity offers teens artistic job opportunities, working with mentors in various creative studios and providing a chance to gain skills and experience.

The Junior Curators program is a year-long internship for high school students who are passionate about conservation and animal care, offering hands-on experiences, educational programs, and opportunities to work with guest scientists and researchers.

The internship program at ACT provides teens with leadership opportunities in theatre and classroom settings. Students work alongside professionals, receive teaching artist training, and gain valuable experience.

Volunteering at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts allows creative high schoolers to gain experience in various roles, including guest services, shop assistance, clerical work, and leading tours.

There’s more than one way to get into the STE(A)M industry — the RISE Teen program aims to show students that the possibilities are endless. Through a series of drop-in and structured sessions, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry offers students a first-hand look at conventional and unconventional STE(A)M pathways and careers in a fun and supportive environment. The program includes hands-on activities, real-world experiences and opportunities to build self-confidence, self-awareness and self-efficacy.

Magik Theatre provides internships for high school students interested in the performing arts, nonprofits, or education, allowing them to gain experience and build their professional network.

High school students will participate in daily activities at a historic site, such as researching artifacts, posting on social media, and supporting summer programs for children. They will also explore NYC history, develop public speaking, discussion, and writing skills, and learn about careers in museums, history, art, and education.

High school students can participate in internships at The Field Museum, which offer various roles, including fundraising, educational program development, and research. Some internships provide funding or academic credit, and participants receive free museum admission and can work alongside scientists and researchers.

The Museum of Science in Boston offers internships in various areas, including science education and behind-the-scenes work, with options for paid and unpaid positions and course credit.

This program allows high school students to work with professional historians and museum staff to learn about Wisconsin history and develop exhibits and educational programs.

The Telluride Association Summer Seminar is a six-week summer program for high school sophomores and juniors. It covers all costs, including tuition, room, and board, and provides students with transformative educational experiences through critical thinking and community engagement.

The visual storytelling course for high school students provides 30 months of immersive training in cinematic storytelling and production, preparing students for top universities.

The Samet Corporation offers an internship program for students who want to learn about construction, providing hands-on experience in the field and office, as well as personalized instruction and training.

The Teen Creative Agency brings together teens from the Chicago area to engage with contemporary art and artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Members meet weekly at the MCA, creating a space for their ideas and perspectives to be seen and heard. They also visit other cultural institutions and collaborate with peers and professionals. This program helps teens develop agency, collaboration skills, and knowledge of public engagement.

Teen Summer is a four-week internship where high school students explore art, community, and museums. They create a media and art exhibition reflecting on their personal relationships with arts and culture.

As a Musée Magazine intern, students will gain hands-on experience in the digital publication industry, learning about photography, emerging artists, and the latest trends in the field.

The Poetry Society of New York offers internships in various areas, including event production, marketing, and editorial work. Interns take on significant responsibilities and contribute to the organization's mission to promote poetry in the community.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Ambassador Program gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at the Museum's artifacts and ongoing themes. They learn how to craft and present artifact talks to different audiences.

ArtsWestchester offers internships in specialized fields like project management, public relations, and professional writing. Interns gain valuable experience and skills that can be applied to future careers in the arts.

Teen Gallery Guides at the Getty Villa is a paid summer internship for Boyle Heights teens to explore the connections between art and science, develop public speaking skills, and engage with art professionals and museum spaces. Interns focus on ancient art, archaeology, and scientific processes while learning research, engagement, and teaching strategies.

The Art Speak internship is a 10-month paid experience for public high school students in grades 10-12. It provides opportunities to discover Asian art and culture, learn from local artists, and develop leadership skills through hands-on art activities.

The YouthWorks Internship offers paid positions with opportunities to gain professional and personal experience, working alongside staff members and exploring different areas of the organization.

The Chicago Philharmonic's Community Engagement Programs offer various initiatives, including free concerts, music lessons, and performance opportunities, to make classical music accessible to all Chicagoans.

Illinois Tech's Elevate College Prep program offers summer academic opportunities for middle and high school students, including hands-on experiences and mentorship in subjects like STEM, sustainability, and cybersecurity.

Volunteering at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center involves assisting with arts education programs and events. Students help sustain the Center's commitment to cultural vitality in the Antelope Valley.

The Learning Intern will support the LA Phil's Learning Department by assisting with administrative tasks, such as managing local Youth Orchestra LA sites, and gaining experience in a fast-paced environment.

Boston-area high school students can join the Teen Arts Council program at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to engage with art and develop professional skills. Participants advise the MFA on engagement strategies for local teens and attend tours, workshops, and performances.

In this paid internship, students at the Brooklyn Museum learn about art and art history, create their own lessons, and develop teaching skills while working with artists, curators, and education staff.

Students can take regular Cornell courses online, study with university faculty, and earn credits and a Cornell transcript.

As a volunteer, you will work under the Volunteer Program Coordinator to provide service to guests, lead tours, and complete training classes. A background check and fingerprinting are required.

The ACES internship at Wave Hill provides students with practical experience and informal STEAM education through assisting with the Family Art Project, an intergenerational program for families to make art inspired by nature.

The candidate in this archival program will work under the Supervisory Archivist to compile inventories, create spreadsheets, digitize records, and enter descriptions into a database. They may also work on various projects for the Reagan Library website.

The Penn Museum Teen Summer Internship offers a mix of in-person and remote work. Interns spend three weekdays at the museum working with a specific department. The rest of the week is dedicated to professional development and college readiness workshops.

The Areté internship offers three pathways - Teaching, Arts, and STEM - allowing high school students to explore careers, develop job readiness skills, and contribute to the school community.

Future Artists is a 14-week program for high school students that offers full-day classes and workshops in various disciplines, including dance, photography, and music.

Teen Art Guides at the McNay Art Museum assist with events, educational programs, and social media campaigns, gaining experience in museum work.