The Museum Assistant program is an employment and mentoring opportunity for St. Louis area teens. Museum Assistants get real work experience while also learning important life skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem solving. As paid part-time employees of the Saint Louis Art Museum, Museum Assistants work closely with staff members on a wide range of programs and events. Participation in the Museum Assistant program is an opportunity for high school students to learn valuable skills for working with learners of all ages and abilities and have a positive impact on the experiences of thousands of museum visitors. Although the majority of the work hours are during the summer months, Museum Assistants are also expected to work limited hours during the school year, mostly on Sunday afternoons and occasional Friday evenings, Saturdays, or after school on weekdays.
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Why is this program for me?
It is an opportunity to…
- Develop and improve leadership and communication skills.
- Learn new skills, including how to teach about art and artists.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Learn how to lead tours of the Museum’s collection for youth and families.
- Learn job and professional skills you will be able to use after high school.
- Provide job references for academic and employment applications.
- Earn money throughout the school year.
2025-2026 Program Year
Applications for the 2025-2026 program year are now available will be open until April 27, 2025.
2025 Schedule:
During summer 2025:
June 2 – July 31, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Approximately 3 shifts a week)
Mandatory training will take place June 3 – June 6 and June 10-June 13.
During the 2025-2026 school year:
Museum Assistants are expected to work a minimum of one program (approximately 5 hours) per month during the school year (August – May). During the school year, Museum Teen Assistants work on Friday evenings, weekends or after school.
Responsibilities and Duties
Museum Assistants will:
- lead tours for youth and family groups
- answer basic questions from visitors about the art they see and about the Museum, programs, and where to find things (such as restrooms, Cafe, Auditorium)
- assist in staffing the art activities for a variety of programs (Summer Artful Adventures, Family Sundays, Member programs, SLAM Undergrounds, and more)
- be responsible for preparing project materials for various programs
- assist with programs for youth and family during the summer as well as throughout the school year (after school and weekends)
Eligibility and Requirements
Museum Assistants must be:
- 16 years of age by June 2, 2025
- interested in gaining communication skills and experiencing the process of learning and teaching about works of art and art making
- enthusiastic and responsible
- able to work these dates: June 2- July 31 (Tuesdays – Fridays, 9 am – 3 pm)
- committed to working a minimum of 5 hours per month August – May
Museum Assistants must have:
- completed the application form
- reliable transportation to get to work daily
- 2 forms of ID – SS card and photo ID (school ID is okay) – if hired
- Submitted to a drug test (if hired)
Museum Assistant Training
Training sessions led by educators will be mandatory for all Museum Assistants. In these sessions, educators will present information about the tours and hands-on art projects, as well as important information about the Museum, its policies, and its visitors. This mandatory training will take place June 3 – June 13, 2025.
Applications accepted March 28 – April 27, 2025
Have questions? Email us at teens@slam.org