Teen Opportunities

Waffles & Resumes is back—and better than ever! Teens in 9th–12th grade are invited to join us for a fun and interactive breakfast event that combines professional development with delicious waffles! This year, we’re teaming up with Marwen Chicago! Marwen educates young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. 

Whether you’re building your resume from the ground up or looking to take your current one to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity for all skill levels. Bring your curiosity and appetite, and get ready to develop a resume that stands out—while enjoying some tasty waffles along the way! 

When: Saturday, January 18, 2025

Time: 10:30 am–3:00 pm

Where: Adler Planetarium

Registration closes on January 13, 2025

Register Now

In Far Horizons Teens, young people explore their curiosity using science! Teens grow as problem-solvers and investigators to make a positive change in our communities and the world! They 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. This year, we will be planning and implementing the first part of a long-term ecological study of light pollution.

You should apply to Far Horizons Teens if you’re: 

• Currently enrolled in high school.
• 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.

Applications are open January 7, 2025–January 28, 2025.

Apply Now

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 March.

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.

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.