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Welcome to Work
Paid Internships
Welcome to Work is a paid summer internship program for young people who identify as members of traditionally marginalized communities of color, offering work experience with a range of museum and STEM career paths.
Background and Purpose
If you are at least 18 and exploring your career choices in school, a training program, or on the job, and are interested in learning new skills in a unique cultural institution, we urge you to join us for nine weeks this summer (June 13–August 19, 2022) in one of five paid internships (two in Exhibit Development) designed to engage diverse talent in museum career opportunities.
You’ll work closely with Exploratorium staff, helping to create tools and experiences to encourage other active explorers. This is a wonderful opportunity to get behind the scenes, ignite your curiosity, inspire, and be inspired.
The Exploratorium deeply values the diversity of its Bay Area community, including its breadth of cultures, races, and ethnicities. We strongly encourage those whose communities and backgrounds are traditionally underrepresented in museums or STEM fields to apply.
See Our Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome to Work: Building a More Diverse and Inclusive Exploratorium Workforce is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MA-40-18-0518-18].
2022 Summer Internships
Content Development + Research
Media Studio
Web Development
Media Studio
Exhibit Development
Exhibits
Summer Teacher Institute
Educator Engagement
Benefits
- One-on-one mentoring and career workshops
- Hands-on learning
- Staff discounts at the on-site Stores, restaurant, and café
- One annual Exploratorium membership
- Free or discounted tickets to Bay Area museums and cultural institutions using your staff badge
Application Materials
- Resume
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Instead of a traditional cover letter, please prepare to respond to all of the following (150 words or less per response):
- What do you hope to get out of this experience?
- What's your creative process and your approach to problem-solving?
- Tell us about something that piqued your curiosity and what you did to explore it further.
Deadline and Requirements
- Completed applications are due Monday, March 28, 2022 (midnight PST). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Participants must be able to be physically present in San Francisco for the duration of the internship: June 13–August 19, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
You must be a current student in a post-secondary school, trade school training program, graduate school, or a recent graduate (within one year of program completion).
Are these paid internships?
Yes, interns will be hired as part-time staff during the duration of the internship.
What is the pay rate?
The pay rate is $19 per hour.
What are the hours?
Interns are required to work four days a week (28 hours).
Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes.
How will I know my application has been received?
Applicants will be sent a confirmation via email once a complete application is received.
How will I know if I’m selected to interview?
Applicants will be contacted by phone or email once the March 28 deadline has passed.
Will I be notified if I’m not selected?
Yes, you will be notified by email.
Will I be able to interact with colleagues outside of my department?
Yes. In addition to the Welcome to the Exploratorium Orientation Week, you will have access to our community of curious staff members.
Can I get course credit for my internship?
Yes, provided that you make arrangements with your trade school, college, or university.
Is housing provided?
No, interns are responsible for their own housing.
Will I receive tech support if the the role is fully or partially remote?
Yes, in accordance with the requirements of your position.
Any other questions?
Email us.
About The Exploratorium
San Francisco’s Exploratorium is a world-renowned museum, a professional development home for teachers, and an exhibit-design trailblazer that partners around the globe to transform science education. Since 1969, we’ve created joyful, inquiry-based learning experiences that ignite curiosity and empower people to understand their world. We celebrate diversity of thought, inspired investigations, and bold collaborations.
