Teen Opportunities
Full STEAM ahead, Chicago!
We believe in the natural curiosity and visionary leadership of Chicago’s youth and strive to create a welcoming space for personal growth and scientific experimentation.
The Adler Planetarium provides opportunities for young people to engage deeply with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), prepare for a variety of careers, act as community thinkers and change-makers, and meet peers from across the city all while having fun!
For more information, email us: [email protected]
Sign Up For Our Email ListTeen Program Offerings
Far Horizons Teens is a curiosity-driven cohort of high school-aged science pioneers embedded in Adler’s exploration program, Far Horizons. Specifically, we use Ground Observation Network cameras (or GONet cameras for short!). GONet cameras were created right here at the Adler by volunteers, staff, and fellow teens on the Far Horizons research team. They take 360-degree images of the night sky.
We use GONet cameras to measure, monitor, and understand light pollution. Right now, we’re in the early stages of planning and implementing a study of the ecological impacts of light pollution and its relationship to tree life cycles, using the GONets to collect data. This summer we will work together to refine our data collection protocols, continue data collection, and communicate about light pollution to the public.
YOU SHOULD APPLY IF YOU’RE . . .
- Currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade (current 12th graders are ineligible to apply).
- Interested in creative problem solving and learning through hands-on science exploration.
- Excited to collaborate with peers and STEM professionals to advance new research.
- Available to attend ALL program dates onsite at the Adler Planetarium:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 am—3:00 pm, with a lunch break, from July 14—August 8.
- Wednesday sessions will be at night from 4:30—9:30 pm, with a dinner break, on July 16, 23, 30 and August 6.
Applications are due on April 11, 2025.
Want to level up your skills, make awesome connections, and gain real-world experience at a world-class museum? The Adler Planetarium’s Summer Teen Internship is your chance to do just that—and more!
If you’re a high school student (grades 9-12) ready to gain professional skills, build your resume, and work on real projects, this is the summer internship for you. Whether you’re interested in networking, leadership development, STEM, or the logistics of running an institution like the Adler Planetarium, there’s a spot for you!
The application for summer 2025 is closed.
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 are due on April 11, 2025
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.
Applications are closed for the 2024–2025 school year.
Far Horizons Teen Captains is a leadership program for young people who participated in Adler’s light pollution programs and are interested in taking on a peer leadership role on the team. The program aims to further develop participants’ technical, planning, and leadership skills, and build on their previous work.
Applications are closed for the 2024–2025 school year.
Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO) is a hands-on STEAM program focused on environmental justice, specifically addressing light pollution and advancing light justice. Hosted after school at Little Village Lawndale High School (LVLHS) in partnership with Enlace Chicago, YOLO inspires teens to explore light pollution and its effects on health, ecosystems, and communities. Through learning and advocacy, participants gain the skills to drive positive change. YOLO developed the Little Village Night Sky exhibit at Adler Planetarium and currently organizes events to raise awareness and promote lighting justice in the community and at the Adler Planetarium.
2024 Teen Program Participants
Alianna H.
Aliza S.
Anthony O.
Arya B.
Evelyn G.
Ines K.
Joselyn S.
Kylee S.
Liliana F.
Omer B.
Quiana L.
Vanessa C.
Lyla R.
Caroline C.
Christopher C.
Emely R.
Kaylee R.
Khue N.
Lakshmi S.
Leah R.
Madeleine B.
Mariah J.
Sol R.
Olivia S.
Tiwa A.
Vivian V.
Magdalena R.
Aron R.
Quiana L.
Gerardo A.
Angelis M.
Margarita Z.
David H.
Evelyn L.
Yeraldi C.
Anna R.
Diana C.
Evelyn C.
Ivanna E.
Ronal V.
Ashley G.
Arianna M.
Emily M.
Jasmin A.
Javier O.
Jose G.
Max G.
Aracely M.
Abigail O.
Edmilson X.
Miles G.
Nicole N.
Giovanni T.
Le-Anh W.
Alexandra L.
Anthony P.
Elena L.
Giovanni T.
Jacob A.
Jean Carlo H.
Jonathon J.
Kathryn E.
Louise G.
Madeline S.
Markos K.
Nikhil H.
Oliver R.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
The Adler Planetarium is grateful to Bank of America, Bears Care, ComEd and the Exelon Foundation, Foglia Family Foundation, Motorola Solutions, Northrop Grumman, Pritzker Foundation, and S&C Electric Company Fund for supporting teen opportunities.
