Teen Opportunities

The YLC is a teen-driven advocacy & leadership development opportunity for young people who are passionate about making museum experiences more inclusive, relevant, and reflective of the contributions of young people. YLC members take the lead on projects that strengthen the connection between teens and the Adler, while creating meaningful impact in the broader community. Along the way, members build real-world skills in collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and transformational leadership. 

The 2025 – 2026 school year application is open August 25, 2025–September 15, 2025.

Learn more and apply!

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. We’re 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. The application for the spring 2026 cohort will open in February 2026.

Far Horizons Teen Captains is a leadership program for young people who have participated in Adler’s light pollution programs (Far Horizons Teens or YOLO) 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, while building on their projects and research.

If you have completed an Adler Teen Light Pollution program and are interested in applying to participate in the Fall 2025 Far Horizons Teen Captains, please email [email protected] to request an application link.

The 2025–2026 school year application is open August 25, 2025–September 8, 2025.

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.

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.

The application for Summer 2026 will open in March 2026.

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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.

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Anthony P.
Elena L.
Giovanni T.
Jacob A.
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Jonathon J.
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Madeline S.
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Oliver R.