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.
This program has supported teen gallery assistants tasked to staff the museum galleries and design, prototype and implement gallery programs at the Minnesota History Center. For a position description, click here.
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 on either Saturday (10AM-3PM) or Sunday (12PM-5PM) each weekend
- show enthusiasm and passion for museums and the arts
The application for the High School Internship Program's 2013 Gallery Assistant positions is now closed. If you are interested in a future High School Internship opportunity, please check back with us.
Because there are a limited number of placements available, you will not be invited for an interview until a completed application packet, as described below, is received by Internship staff:
- Your completed online application
- Two recommendations
- A signed permission form from you, or your parent/guardian if you are under 18 years old
- A background check if you are over 18 years old (you will be asked to provide your social security number, date of birth and past residences to complete this)
Background Checks
The Society is committed to providing a safe, and secure environment for visitors, staff and volunteers. Prospective volunteers over the age of 18 are required to pass a background check as a condition of volunteer placement.
Questions? Contact internships@mnhs.org or 651-259-3191.
Teen Advisory Council
This is an exciting 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!
As you make your decision to apply, please look at your schedule to make sure that you will be able to commit two to five hours weekly, October - December. This includes meetings on Tuesdays from 3:30—5:30 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.
Your success in this program depends on your ability to:
- be a contributing member of the group through discussions and projects
- be on time for TAC meetings on Tuesdays, 3:30—5:30 pm, at the History Center in St. Paul
- work on some projects outside of your meeting time
- volunteer five hours at the History Center from October —December in addition to regular meetings
- show enthusiasm and passion for museums and the arts
The application for the TAC program's Fall 2012 cycle is now closed. Please check back with us if you are interested in a future opportunity!
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.
2012 Student Volunteer Scholarship Award
This is the eleventh year of the Minnesota Historical Society’s Student Volunteer Scholarship Award program. This year we awarded two scholarships of $1,000 each. On June 21 during the MHS board meeting, Steve Elliott, CEO awarded two graduating seniors the scholarships:
Megan Goeke graduated this spring from Maple Grove High School. She became a Society volunteer in June 2009, contributing over 209 hours of volunteer service. She has volunteered in a number of special events throughout the Society and was the pianist at the Alexander Ramsey House during the holidays. Megan plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and become a history teacher.
Sergio Portesan graduated this spring from Como Park High School in St. Paul. He began volunteering with the Society in June 2010 and has currently recorded over 140 hours of volunteer service. He assisted in collections, was an intern in volunteer services, he served on the teen Advisory Council, and even wore the antlers to become Mooster History at History Day celebrations! Sergio will be attending Colorado College this fall and will pursue a liberal arts degree.
MHS thanks both Megan and Sergio--- they have made tremendous contributions to the Society as volunteers, sharing their time, energy and talents.
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?
