INSIDE VIEW:
NEW YORK CITY High School Internship Program
Want an inside view of the American Museum of Natural History? Ever wonder how this 135 year old,
leading natural history and scientific research institution really works? There are all sorts of departments
you have probably never heard of – so come explore!
Become a high school intern. Work in an unusual setting and learn how the Museum functions from the
inside out! This career development program will give you real experiences you can take into any work
environment you pursue.
The American Museum of Natural History is looking for a dynamic group of New York City high school
students to be part of an exciting program that emphasizes creative and investigative thinking. Preference
is given to students from under-served communities and schools with limited science and career
development resources.
During the internship program you will:
• Work with a staff mentor on projects and/or daily work.
• Visit departments throughout the Museum
• Participate in training sessions and creative projects with other interns
Investigate the many interesting careers within the Museum.
In which department might I work?
Interns will be matched with a staff mentor in any of the Museum’s principal departments, such as
Education, Exhibition, Development, Science (from Anthropology to Zoology), and various administrative
fields.
What type of experiences might I have during the program?
Interns will:
• Meet with Museum scientists and other staff members from a wide range of departments, and get a
close-up view of their mentors’ career paths.
Participate in individual and group projects concerning career development.
• Use state-of-the-art technology in their own departments
• Visit the Halls and corridors of the Museum to see behind the scenes.
Whether working with databases, Museum floor plans, the Internet, or assisting with laboratory projects,
past interns have gained an understanding of the various components of the Museum and their
connection to the entire institution.
What are the dates of the internship(s)?
You can apply either for a Summer Internship or an Academic Year Internship. The Summer Internship
2005 runs for 6 weeks from late June to early August, Monday through Thursday, 10am-5pm and Friday
afternoons.
The Academic Year Internship 2004—2005 runs from November 2004 until early Amy 2005. Students
will spend at least 6 hours a week at the Museum for this seven-month period with an additional dozen or
so ―Inside View‖ afternoons in which the group works together.
How will the individualized projects work?
Both interns and staff mentors will sign a "contract" detailing the intern’s work and establishing a clear
plan for ongoing supervision and evaluation.
Am I eligible and what are the requirements?
New York City public school students who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors in the academic year
2004-2005 can apply. Applicants MUST be able to meet the required time commitment, as outlined above
in ―What are the dates of the internship(s)?‖
Will I get paid?
The Summer Internship offers a stipend upon successful completion of the program and a Metrocard.
The Academic Year Internship offers a stipend to be used for college application-related expenses such
as college visits, PSAT, SAT registration fees, and test preparation books—upon successful completion
of the Internship program.
In addition, all interns receive a Museum identification badge, which includes free admission to the
Museum and many of its programs, plus free admission to museums and local institutions throughout the
five boroughs.
How do I apply?
All candidates must complete and return the enclosed application. Please do not apply if you cannot fulfill
the specific time requirements.
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Applications for the Academic Year Internship 2004-2005 are due by Friday, October 15 , 2004.
Please call Samantha Harvey, Department of Education, at 212-313-7105 if you have questions or need
assistance with the application. You may also email tfludd@amnh.org.
Send enclosed application to:
American Museum of Natural History
Education Department/Tiffany Fludd
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79 Street at Central Park West
New York, NY 10024-5192
American Museum of Natural History
Education Department/Abby Remer
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79 Street at Central Park West
New York, NY 10024-5192
INSIDE VIEW: High School Internship Program is made possible by a generous grant from The Jeffry M.
and Barbara Picower Foundation.