Student Volunteers
High School Internship Program: Teen Gallery Assistants
The High School Internship Program (HSIP) is a work-based learning program that gives high school students grades 10 - 12 unprecedented access to MHS staff, programs and amenities.
For the spring 2012 semester, the HSIP will support teen gallery assistants tasked to staff the museum galleries and design, prototype and implement gallery programs at the Minnesota History Center.
Students will meet February—May 2012 every Thursday from 4-6:00 p.m. and work a 3 hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday each week at the History Center.
As you make your decision to apply, please look at your schedule to make sure that you will be able to commit five hours each week.
These are the criteria for evaluation. Your ability to:
- be a contributing member of the group through discussions and projects
- be on time for meetings on Thursdays, 4—6:00 p.m., at the History Center in St. Paul
- be available to commit to a 3 hour shift from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on either Saturday or Sunday each weekend from February through May
- show enthusiasm and passion for museums and the arts.
The application deadline for the High School Internship Program's Gallery Assistant positions has closed. Because there are a limited number of placements available, you will not be invited for an interview until the following forms are received by Internship Program staff:
- Your completed online application
- Two recommendations
- A signed permission form from your parent/guardian if you are under 18 years old
Students accepted into the program will earn $8.00 per hour.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Thao, jennifer.thao@mnhs.org or 651-259-3191.
Teen Advisory Council
This is a fun program for teens age 15+. Teen Advisory Council members recruited from around the Twin Cities will explore how museums work, AND how to make them more fun for teens! Also, four teens will be selected from the TAC to lead workshops in three communities statewide this summer, as paid employees.
As you make your decision to apply, please look at your schedule to make sure that you will be able to commit two—five hours weekly, October—May. This includes meetings on Tuesdays, 3:30—5:30pm, at the History Center in St. Paul.
These are the criteria for evaluation. Your ability to:
- be a contributing member of the group through discussions and projects
- be on time for TAC meetings on Tuesdays, 3:30—5:30pm, at the History Center in St. Paul
- work on some projects outside of your meeting time
- volunteer five hours at the History Center from January—May in addition to regular meetings
- show enthusiasm and passion for museums and the arts.
The application deadline for the 2011-2012 Teen Advisory Council is now closed. Please visit the website again in September 2012 to apply. Because there are a limited number of placements available, you will not be invited for an interview until the following forms are received by TAC staff:
- Your completed online application
- Two recommendations
- A signed permission form from your parent/guardian if you are under 18 years old
Students who are accepted into the program and meet participation criteria will be paid a $50 monthly stipend.
Questions? Contact Aleah Vinick, aleah.vinick@mnhs.org or 651-259-3417.
Society's Student Volunteer Receives Award
Trevor G. received the Minnesota Historical Society’s college tuition award of $1,000 from Director and Chief Executive Officer D. Stephen Elliott on June 23, 2011. The award recognizes exemplary volunteer service performed by high school seniors.
Trevor became a Society event volunteer in May 2008 and has since contributed more than 200 hours, and many were spent in the Vatican Splendors gallery. He stated, “With the Vatican exhibit, I began to get a glimpse of all the logistical planning that goes on behind a museum exhibit.”
Trevor also volunteers at Historic Fort Snelling, the State Capital and the History Center. Reflecting on his encounters with Minnesota’s Greatest Generation he recounted, “I often would be volunteering with an older volunteer and they had unique stories to tell . . . this exhibit taught me how hearing history ‘first hand’ highlights aspects that are not found in books or by seeing objects . . . It was a great experience for me.”
Trevor is planning to major in accounting with a history minor at the University of St. Thomas. He hopes to attend law school after college. And, he’ll continue to volunteer with the Society.
About Student Volunteers . . .
How old do I need to be to volunteer at the Society?
Students 14 or older are encouraged to volunteer at the Society. They
are required to provide a one year commitment, contribute 25 or more hours
and volunteer at their scheduled time. The Society looks for student volunteers
who enjoy working with people, are friendly, enjoy learning new things
and would like to increase their job skills. Many use this experience
to help prepare them for college or further education.
There are benefits for student volunteers.
By sharing your
time as a volunteer, you can request letters of reference for college
and job applications which can help prepare you for your future career.
A volunteer experience can provide you with a sneak preview of a variety of jobs available in many different fields. Most of all, by volunteering you can meet new people, make a difference in your community and have fun.
So how can I become a volunteer?
