Youth Engagement Intern

The Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates* who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Winter 2025, internships will last 15 weeks, projected to begin on January 21st and conclude on May 2nd.

*Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacifici Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later, with the final deadline being October 25th.

How will we work together?

The Youth Engagement Intern plays a key role in planning and facilitating The Henry Ford’s youth engagement programs: Tinkering for Tots, THF Summer Camp and Invention Convention U.S. Nationals. With the guidance of the Manager of Youth and Family Learning Engagement and working closely with the Youth Engagement Coordinator, you will gain experience in every step of the program management process. You will plan, facilitate, and evaluate program activities for Pre-K – 7 youth that strengthen our connection with young families and build an inclusive program culture. We will rely on you to support operations, logistics and communications to ensure program quality that meets and responds to the needs of youth, their families, as well as our team.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

Tinkering for Tots

• Communicating with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth program logistics.
• Facilitating a variety of program activities like story time, open exploration, and tours.
• Building a method to understand engagement habits of participants.

THF Summer Camp

• Supporting learning content development.
• Planning and organizing our weekly Closing Camp celebration.
• Collaborating with the Youth Programs Coordinator to maintain the summer camps inbox and hotline, responding efficiently and effectively to questions.

DPSCD (Detroit Public Schools Community District) Museum Field Trips

• Support the implementation of DPSCD museum field trips.

There is an opportunity to continue this experience through the summer. During this time, the Youth Engagement Intern will play a key role in the THF Summer Camp administration team. Your responsibilities will transition from planning and logistics to program implementation. Extending this experience will give you the opportunity to see the program plan come to life.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with the ICSUN project team and Educator Engagement intern to judge the originality of youth projects, prepare lists of potential interviews and winners.
• Preparing and updating camp rosters, name badges, and forms
• Being available on radio/phone for high priority calls
• Supporting the team with logistical challenges that might arise (such as greeting late campers and providing lunches for campers who forgot theirs)
• Understanding all policies and emergency procedures to maintain the safety and wellbeing of campers.
• Collaborating with the administrative team to ensure adequate scheduling and supervision coverage.

As our Youth Engagement Intern, you can anticipate working a hybrid schedule where on-site days are determined by programmatic needs. This requires the ability to commute to The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI.

What should you have?

This position requires availability for the following key dates:

• One of the following Tinkering for Tots dates:
• February 11th
• March 11th
• April 8th

The most successful candidates will have an academic background in education, science, history, or a related field. We are also looking for someone who is:

• A team player
• Able to work with minimal supervision
• A self-starter
• A creative problem solver
• Excited to work with kids
• Able to manage several projects with competing priorities

Application Materials:

• Transcript (relevant coursework)
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose

Why work with THF?

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can’t wait to meet you.

Please note: International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.

Funding for the 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation.

The Henry Ford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

The Henry Ford prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to any employment, donor , or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer). 

•

Last updated on Sep 23, 2024