Experiential Learning Intern

The Henry Ford•Dearborn, MI

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative (FFEI) Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For Summer 2026, internships will last 12 weeks, projected to begin on May 26th and conclude on August 21st. Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacifici Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later. The FFEI Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways. Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. Workshops typically occur on Wednesdays during the work week. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our 2026 Summer Intern Orientation will occur on May 26th, 2026 How will we work together? The Youth Engagement Intern plays a key role in planning and facilitating The Henry Ford’s youth engagement programs: Tinkering for Tots, THF Summer Camp and Invention Convention U.S. Nationals. With the guidance of the Manager of Youth and Family Learning Engagement and working closely with the Youth Engagement Coordinator, you will gain experience in every step of the program management process. You will plan, facilitate, and evaluate program activities for Pre-K – 7 youth that strengthen our connection with young families and build an inclusive program culture. We will rely on you to support operations, logistics and communications to ensure program quality that meets and responds to the needs of youth, their families, as well as our team. There is an opportunity to continue this experience through the summer. During this time, the Youth Engagement Intern will play a key role in the THF Summer Camp administration team. Your responsibilities will transition from planning and logistics to program implementation. Extending this experience will give you the opportunity to see the program plan come to life. As our Youth Engagement Intern, you can anticipate working a hybrid schedule where on-site days are determined by programmatic needs. This requires the ability to commute to The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI. At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success. We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can’t wait to meet you.

Requirements

This position requires availability for the following key dates: Invention Convention U.S. Nationals June 3 – 5th THF Summer Camp Staff Training: June 6; June 15 – 19 Camp Week A: June 22 – 26 Camp Week B: July 5 – 10 Camp Week C: July 13 – 17 Camp Week D: July 20 – 24 Camp Week E: July 27 – 31 Camp Wrap-up: August 3 – 4
The most successful candidates will have an academic background in education, science, history, or a related field.
A team player
Able to work with minimal supervision
A self-starter
A creative problem solver
Excited to work with kids
Able to manage several projects with competing priorities
Transcript (relevant coursework)
Resume
Statement of Purpose

Responsibilities

Communicating with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth program logistics.
Facilitating a variety of program activities like story time, open exploration, and tours.
Building a method to understand engagement habits of participants.
Supporting learning content development.
Planning and organizing our weekly Closing Camp celebration.
Collaborating with the Youth Programs Coordinator to maintain the summer camps inbox and hotline, responding efficiently and effectively to questions.
Support the implementation of DPSCD museum field trips.
Collaborate with the ICSUN project team and Educator Engagement intern to judge the originality of youth projects, prepare lists of potential interviews and winners.
Preparing and updating camp rosters, name badges, and forms
Being available on radio/phone for high priority calls
Supporting the team with logistical challenges that might arise (such as greeting late campers and providing lunches for campers who forgot theirs)
Understanding all policies and emergency procedures to maintain the safety and wellbeing of campers.
Collaborating with the administrative team to ensure adequate scheduling and supervision coverage.