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Youth Summer Internship Program

Our summer internship program was created thirteen years ago as an opportunity for local teens to learn invaluable skills. We welcome youths aged 13–17 to engage in leadership development each summer by working with our Summer Art Camps. These incredible interns play a vital role in keeping the camps running smoothly, maintaining high energy, and connecting with and leading campers. And like the campers, the interns have a good time!

Applications will open the week of March 22, 2026.

Interested individuals must:

• Independently apply for the position
• Sit through an interview
• Attend training
• Shadow senior instructors
• Commit to three weeks of summer camp sessions
• Be open to mentorship and instruction

It is a serious [ly fun] program that is rewarding for both the Emerson and the fourteen young people that join the summer team. Additionally, cash scholarships are awarded for participation, and are fully-funded by outside donations; namely The Columbia Family Foundation, which has partnered with us on this for the past eight years.

Being outside, interacting with kids, teaching art, and being given real responsibilities make this an incredible and unique learning experience. This internship program has been a notable success and a proud hallmark of our education programming on the whole.

If this is something you are interested in applying for, we welcome teens aged 13 (at the time of application) to 17. Applications open the third week of March each year.