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Museum Apprentice Program
Feb 10, 2025

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The Brooklyn Museum's Museum Apprentice Program is a paid learning opportunity designed for New York City high school students aged 14–19 that aims to immerse them in art and art history while offering a practical understanding of museum education. It offers participants a chance to meet artists and curators, explore the museum’s collections, and discuss critical topics in museum education, such as the role of museums in social justice movements and their interaction with the public school system. Apprentices will have the opportunity to connect with the education staff, get trained on using artworks for teaching people of various ages and abilities, and assist with family programs. They will develop tours, teach summer camp groups, and gain insights into education programming in a museum setting. The program focuses on strengthening a wide range of skills, including public speaking, lesson planning, research, teaching, communication, collaboration, time management, and organization. The program is conducted in person, running from November through August. The schedule includes weekly meetings on Thursdays from 5–7 pm, occasional teen staff events and field trips on Fridays, and occasional family events and pop-up talks on weekends from November to June. From July to August, apprentices work from 9:30 am–4:30 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Apprentices receive compensation of $16 per hour, with second-year apprentices earning $17 per hour. Up to 180 hours of work per year is available, with MetroCards provided to support weekend and summer work. To participate, prospective apprentices need to submit an online application, including one letter of recommendation. Overall, the Museum Apprentice Program aims to empower students with the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with art and museum education, providing a strong foundation for future endeavors in these fields.

written by
Rishab Jain