Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program for High School Students—6 Reasons to Apply
Participating in summer programs or internships during high school is a great way to enhance your college applications. We’ve covered several programs on our blogs that cater to a variety of interests. Today’s blog focuses on a program for students interested in what a career in a museum can look like, the Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program. We will cover how this program can provide you with hands-on experience, skills, and valuable connections, all of which can help you stand out to college admissions committees.
What is the Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program?
The Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program is a full-year paid internship for NYC high school students, ages 14-19, focused on art, museum education, and public engagement. This 180-hour program aims to help you gain knowledge in museum education, build teaching skills, and learn about curating public programs. You will have the opportunity to meet artists and curators, explore museum roles in social justice, and practice skills like lesson planning, research, and public speaking. The program takes place during both fall and summer and offers a meaningful educational experience, helping you build connections between art and the world around you.
How is the program structured?
The Apprentice Program spans from November to August. The fall schedule involves:
A weekly 2-hour meeting on Thursdays
Teen staff events and field trips on Fridays
Family events and pop-up talks on the weekends
During the summer, you will work full-time three days a week, assisting with family programs, leading art-related discussions, and organizing museum tours. The program includes mentorship from museum staff, the opportunity to develop tours and assist with museum programs, and access to workshops and training in public speaking, lesson planning, and research. Apprenticeship work focuses on engaging with diverse communities, so you will gain experience teaching audiences of all ages and abilities.
You will be compensated for your efforts, earning $16 an hour or $17 if you’re a second-year museum apprentice.
Is it prestigious?
While the Museum Apprentice Program is limited to NYC applicants only, it provides exclusive exposure to the Brooklyn Museum's collections, networking with museum professionals, and the chance to become part of a supportive community. The program’s value lies in the rich experiential learning you can obtain at one of the most iconic museums in the country, preparing you for a future career in the arts and art preservation. While the experience gained in this role can enhance your resume and set you apart when applying for college art or education programs, it will only do so if it fits well with your interests and overall narrative. On its own, we would not rate this program as particularly prestigious.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply, you must:
Be an NYC high school student aged 14-19
Commit to the full program schedule from November to August
Have an interest in art and public education
How does the application process work?
Applications for the 2024-2025 program are now closed, but details for the next application cycle will be available in June 2025. There is no application fee, and the program provides hourly pay plus MetroCards for travel.
6 reasons to apply for the Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program
A paid experience in the arts: This program offers paid hourly work, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a museum setting. With an hourly wage between $16-$17, you can build your resume and get a feel for working in the arts sector.
Great skill-building opportunities: The program is designed to help you develop essential skills, such as public speaking, lesson planning, and collaborative work. These skills are valuable not only in the museum world but also in broader education, arts, and communication fields.
An immersive experience in art education: You'll engage in weekly sessions that dive into art history, curation, and museum roles in social justice. By working closely with museum professionals, you’ll deepen your understanding of how museums contribute to public education and community engagement.
Exclusive networking and mentorship: As an apprentice working nearly full-time, you will have the chance to connect with museum staff, educators, and curators, building valuable industry contacts. This access to experienced professionals offers insights into art careers and guidance on academic and career paths.
A rare community engagement and teaching opportunity: As an apprentice, you’ll learn to lead programs for diverse audiences, including young visitors, families, and adults. This real-world teaching experience helps build confidence and communication skills while making a difference in the community.
A positive addition to your college application: If you’re serious about a career in the museum ecosystem, then participating in the Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program adds a point of distinction to your resume and highlights your dedication to this sector.
Should you apply?
The Brooklyn Museum Apprentice Program offers a unique opportunity for high school students interested in art, education, and museum work. If you're interested in these fields and ready for an enriching commitment, this program could be a great fit for you. Keep an eye on the Brooklyn Museum’s site in June 2025 for the next application cycle!
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.