Teen Opportunities

Far Horizons Teens explore our curiosity using science! We grow as problem-solvers and investigators to make positive changes 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. This year, we’ll continue Project LEAF it in the Dark, our long-term ecological study about light pollution’s impacts on the seasonal changes of trees. 

The 2025–2026 school year application is open from January 6, 2026, through January 30, 2026.

Learn more and apply!

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 closed.

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.

The 2025–2026 school year application is closed.

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.

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.