Teen Opportunities

Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is a teen advocacy and leadership-development opportunity for young people with an interest in centering teens’ contributions in museum spaces while building transformational leadership and advocacy skills. YLC members play an important role in ensuring that museum spaces provide equitable and meaningful experiences for young people.

We are looking for three new members for the 2024–2025 school year. New council members will join nine returning YLC members to implement current youth-led project initiatives.

You should apply to Youth Leadership Council if you’re:

• Enrolled in high school during the 2024–2025 school year
• Available to attend weekly meetings on Saturdays, 11:00 am–3:00 pm starting October 19, 2024, through May 17, 2025.  *The team will not meet during winter holiday breaks or CPS spring break.
• Interested in organizing, and boosting your leadership and advocacy skills
• Want to partner with adult allies to ensure that teens are meaningfully represented and valued in museum spaces

Selected participants are eligible for a stipend and transportation support.

Applications close on September 12, 2024.

Apply Now!

Far Horizons Teen Captains is a leadership program for teenagers who have previously been involved in Adler’s light pollution programs and are interested in taking on a peer leadership role within the team. The program aims to further develop their technical, planning, and leadership skills, and build on their previous work. This fall, the Far Horizons Teen Captains will begin developing a long-term light pollution study using the Ground Observation Network (GONet) cameras created at the Adler.

You should apply to Far Horizons Teen Captains if you’re: 

• Enrolled in grades 10–12 during the 2024–2025 school year
• A previous participant of a light pollution-focused Adler Teen program (Far Horizons Teens,  Team Stratonauts, YOLO (Youth Organization for Lights Out), or Astro Science Workshop)
• Available to attend weekly council meetings | Saturdays, 10:00 am–3:00 pm | October 12, 2024–December 21, 2024, and  March 8, 2025–May 17, 2025 (some sessions will be in the evening from 5:00 pm–10:00 pm)
• Have a strong interest in research and the scientific process
• Interested in partnering with adult volunteers and outside partners

Selected participants are eligible for a stipend and transportation support.

Applications close on September 15, 2024.

Apply Now!

Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO) is a hands-on STEAM learning and environmental justice program focused on light pollution. This after-school program takes place at Little Village Lawndale High School (LVLHS) in partnership with Enlace Chicago. Through science and advocacy, teens learn about light pollution and its impact on human health, natural environments, and communities.

Far Horizons Teens explore our curiosity using science! We grow as problem-solvers and investigators to make a positive change in our communities and the world! We work together, alongside the rest of the Far Horizons research team, to learn about the extent and impact of light pollution in and around Chicago.

Applications for the 2024–2025 school year will open in January 2025.

Are you looking for a summer job that will be challenging, fun, and eye-opening? The Adler’s Teen Internship Program places current high school students in professional museum roles.

Applications for summer 2025 will open in February.

Mission Near Space is a summer program like no other! 7th and 8th graders become part of a unique team of engineers, educators, and astronomers to prepare, launch, track, and retrieve a scientific payload sent to the stratosphere aboard a high-altitude balloon. The week ends with a showcase where participants present their exploration results to family members.

Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship for one week-long program session (a $500 value). They are also eligible to receive a 7-day CTA pass. Participants who complete the week-long program will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.

Applications for summer 2025 will open in April.

Ashley G.
Alexandra L.
Aidan I.
Vanessa K.
Abieyuwa O.
Kylee G.
Kevin S.
Paulina L.
Susan M.
Maetheany B.
Le-Anh W.
Ethan R.
Srivalli K.

Ashal A.
Babesh K.
Dajae A.
Dylan L.
Emily R.
Kadiatou D.
Sol R.
Miya M.
Nabiha A.
Shanelle M.

Ashley G.
Ashley M.
Christian J.
Esmeralda M.
Guadalupe O.
Quiana L.
Kyle M.
Leticia M.
Sarah M.
Suleimy P.
Vanessa S.

Shanti E.
Riley G.
Olivia R.
Amir S.
Apoorva S.
Louise G.
Miles G.
Logan H.
Sonika J.
Ryan M.
Nicole N.
Oliver R.
Dylan S.
Giovanni T.
Le-Anh W.

Rodolfo C.
Inesia C.
Logan H.
Florian L.
Eliel P.
Miguel S.
Soe T.
Madeleine U.
Constantin V.