2027 Youth & Family Programs Spring Intern
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.
The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy.
Position Summary
The Youth & Family Programs Internship at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers hands-on experience in designing, supporting, and evaluating educational programs for youth, families, teens, and multigenerational audiences. This internship is ideal for individuals interested in museum education, public programs, community engagement, or informal learning environments. The intern will gain real-world experience by supporting a wide range of programs that activate museum galleries, studios, and outdoor spaces, while learning how large-scale public programs are planned and delivered within a museum setting. The Youth & Family Programs Intern has a flexible work schedule; however, availability Wednesday through Sunday is a priority, as many programs and events take place during this time. Some evening and weekend hours are required to support public programs and events.
Responsibilities
- Learn the required elements of creating, producing, implementing, and supporting various programs
- Assist with program production and facilitation
- Support content development
- Perform administrative tasks as assigned
- Assist with and learn to support programs including:
- Family Days and multigenerational public programs
- School break programming
- Youth and teen camps, classes, and workshops
- Teen nights and teen-focused engagement programs
- Nature-based and outdoor learning programs
- Exhibition openings and museum-wide community events
- Program preparation, on-site support, guest engagement, material organization, setup and breakdown
- Observation of teaching strategies and visitor interactions
Qualifications
- Experience or interest in art, education, museum work, or event production preferred
- Excellent guest service and communication skills
- Dependable and punctual
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours
- Must maintain confidentiality of information as required
Timeline
- Anticipated Start Date: January 25, 2027
- Anticipated End Date: April 30, 2027
- Inclement Weather Dates: February 1, 2027 – April 30, 2027
Schedule
- High School Interns: up to 15 hours per week
- Undergraduate Interns: up to 20 hours per week
- Graduate Interns: up to 25 hours per week
- Weekly schedule arranged with direct supervisor
- To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the past three years
- Students required to submit a current schedule or official transcript
Compensation
- High School Interns: $12.00 per hour
- Undergraduate Students: $13.00 per hour
- Graduate Students: $14.00 per hour
- To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s compensation, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from one within the past three years
- A current class schedule or official transcript must be submitted for verification
Application Requirements
- Complete application must include both a cover letter and a resume
- Cover letter must address the following questions:
- What excites you most about the opportunity to design or support programs that spark curiosity in young audiences?
- This internship involves preparing materials, coordinating with partners, and interacting with the public. Which of these tasks do you feel most confident about, and which would challenge you the most?
- Describe your experience (if any) with educational programming, art instruction, or working with youth. How would you apply that experience here?
Housing
Housing for internship positions is contingent upon the availability of funding and is not guaranteed. Internships that include housing will explicitly state this in both the position title and the position description. Any housing and/or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will be reported on the intern’s Form W-2. When housing is available, only students whose primary residence is more than 150 miles or three hours from either Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary will be considered.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Physical Demands
- Utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods
- Good eye/hand coordination
- Bending and stretching
- Physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds
- Visual acuity to review written materials
Work Environment
Work is performed on-site (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) in a professional, climate-controlled office environment within a museum setting with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Some local travel will be required, and a flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.