NEA Teen Intern

Description

 The Worcester Art Museum invites curious, creative teens from across Worcester and surrounding communities to join our Learning & Engagement Division as NEA Teen Interns in the Studio Classes Department. This paid, part-time internship is designed for teens ages 14-19 who want to spend time in a creative environment, learn how a museum works from the inside, and explore possible futures in the arts, education, museums, or cultural fields. The internship begins on September 25, 2026, and runs primarily on Fridays (with opportunities for additional hours during vacation weeks and special programs), through the end of August 2027. Interns will form a cohort of 15 teens, learning together while building confidence, community, and creative momentum.

As an NEA Teen Intern, you’ll be welcomed into the day-to-day life of the Museum through guided experiences with staff and teaching artists. Each week, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate with professionals, ask questions, and explore different parts of arts education work, including education and public programs, creative planning, classroom support, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. After an introductory period, interns will be able to assist with youth studio classes, observe and support teaching, contribute ideas to ongoing projects, and take part in conversations about creative careers and professional pathways. No two weeks will look exactly the same, and that variety is intentional: this internship is meant to help you discover what excites you, where your strengths lie, and how your creative voice fits into a larger community.

We’re looking for teens who are curious, open-minded, and eager to learn in a shared environment. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do in the future, and you do not need prior museum, teaching, or formal art experience to apply. This internship is an opportunity to explore, build confidence, and learn alongside others. We especially encourage applications from teens who may be new to museums, who are exploring their interests, or who bring perspectives and experiences that are not always centered in arts and cultural spaces. Interest in creativity, community, working with others, or learning how programs come together is just as valuable as experience making art.

Position Title: NEA Teen Intern

Employment Type: Temporary Part-time

Department: Studio Classes

Division: Learning & Engagement

Reports to: Studio Programs Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: $15.50 per hour

Requirements

What we’re looking for:

• Interest in creativity, learning, or community programs
  This could include art classes, electives, after-school programs, helping with school or community activities, personal creative projects, or simply a strong curiosity about how museums, classes, and creative programs work.
• Curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn
  Interns should be eager to explore new ideas, ask questions, and try different kinds of work in a supportive, fast-changing environment. Prior experience is not required.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and learning styles
  This role involves collaborating with peers, staff, faculty, and students of many ages and abilities, and requires empathy, flexibility, and inclusive communication.
• Reliability and ability to commit to the internship schedule
  Interns should be able to attend regularly, communicate clearly if issues arise, and follow guidance from staff and teaching artists.

About WAM

The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories—from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum’s collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.