Teen Opportunities
At the Adler, 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!
Sign Up For Our Email ListTeen Program Offerings
Have you ever wanted to be the first to reveal something new or try out a new technology? Want to become an expert in a subject and use that knowledge to make a positive change in the world? Far Horizons Teens is a curiosity-driven cohort of high school-aged science pioneers embedded in Adler’s exploration program, Far Horizons.
Looking for a summer job is challenging, fun, and eye-opening? The Adler’s Teen Internship Program places current high school students in professional museum roles. Review the 2023 Summer Intern Resource Packet for more info!
Applications for 2023 are closed.
Mission Near Space is a summer program like no other. In Mission Near Space, 7th and 8th graders become part of a unique team of engineers and astronomers whose goal is to prepare, launch, track, and retrieve a scientific payload sent to the stratosphere aboard a high altitude balloon. The week ends with a showcase in which participants present their exploration results to family members.
Applications for 2023 are closed.
Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is a teen advocacy and leadership development opportunity for young people with an interest in centering youth voices within the museum community. YLC members can gain valuable transformational leadership and interpersonal skills, build meaningful working relationships, and play a critical role in ensuring that museum spaces are providing equitable and meaningful experiences for young people.
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.
2021 & 2022 Teen Program Participants
2021
Jasmine A.
Giselle A.
Nabiha A.
Ophelia B.
Justin C. D.
Cynthia G.
Erick J.
Margaret K.
Janice M.
Kei S.
2022
Tasnova A.
Ibilola F.
Daisy G.
Babesh K.
Dylan L.
Ryan M.
Chinasa N.
Amir S.
Da’Jai A. YLC
Salsabel A. YLC | Astro Science Workshop
Nabiha A. YLC *2 terms | Summer Intern 2021
Tarisai D. YLC *3 terms
David J. YLC
Dylan L. YLC | Summer Intern 2022
Richa S. YLC
Cynthia S. YLC
Isabella S. YLC
Apoorva S. YLC | Astro Science Workshop
Samyra S. YLC | YLC Program Support Lead * 2 terms
Questions?
For more information, drop us a line at: youthprograms@adlerplanetarium.org
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.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MA-245279-OMS-20].
