Teen Science Scholars
THE 2025 TEEN SCIENCE SCHOLAR APPLICATION WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 3 – February 24, 2025
If you wish to be notified of 2025 Teen Science Scholar updates, including Information Session Dates, website updates, and a reminder when the application becomes available, please click the button below.
Discover
In previous years, Teen Science Scholars completed internships in archaeology, earth sciences, education collections, health science, ornithology, photography, zoology/genetics, and botany collections.
Teen Science Scholars is made possible with generous support by the Isenhart Charitable Fund, Robert Zupkus & Janet Burda, The Gateway Fund II, Simpson Family Giving Fund, The Philip & Susan Greenberg Fund, Philip Ferranti, Daniels Fund, and Huntington Bank.
Explore
Each year, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science interviews and selects 20 Teen Science Scholars to work as interns within the Science Division.
TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. These internships provide hands-on opportunities to carry out scientific work alongside Museum scientists while exploring opportunities in museum and STEM careers. Scholars also participate in professional development activities, including public speaking, planning for college, and honing skills for joining the workforce. At the end of the summer, scholars celebrate and present their work and experiences during a Showcase event.
In 2023, 100% of scholars said they would recommend the program to other students. 100% of scholars also reported gaining skills in:
- Using professional communication
- Being a productive member of a team
- Collaborating on projects
- Seeking out new learning experiences
Teens who come from communities that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or schools, and/or those who will be the first generation in their family to complete a four-year college degree are strongly encouraged to apply.
Questions?
Contact [email protected] or 303-370-6478
FAQs
The 2025 stipend amount will be announced in the fall of 2024. Stipends are not used as compensation but to offset expenses during the internship. All interns will receive daily lunch vouchers for DMNS's cafeteria. All materials and supplies are provided by the Museum, including any transportation for field trips or fieldwork. If fieldwork is involved, all supplies, meals, and expenses will be covered.
Yes, you can apply to be a Teen Science Scholar. Please keep in mind that TSS is intended for high schoolers from underserved and/or underrepresented communities or schools. Scholars must be physically present at the Museum for the duration of Teen Science Scholars.
The Museum does not provide housing for this program. RTD is free for those 19 and younger as a part of the Zero Fare for Youth pilot program.
You can apply as long as you are eligible for the program. Eligible students will be rising juniors or seniors in the summer of 2025 (current sophomores or juniors). Please contact us at [email protected] to have your account reset. We kindly request that you do not create a new account.
If you are an educator or youth mentor and would like to invite a DMNS staff member to talk to a group of students or educators about Teen Science Scholars, please fill out the interest list form on this page.
If a student is selected for Teen Science Scholars, a representative will contact the scholar's parent/guardian/caretaker directly to share details, expectations, and answer questions.
The application does not require transcripts, letters of recommendations, or resumes. Applicants will be asked to explain why the have chosen their first and second choice tracks. There is no minimum or maximum word count for these questions.
Please reach out to program coordinator Chelsea Barker who can arrange for the use of a DMNS computer once applications become available.
No problem! Please indicate which session you prefer on the application where it is asked. Make sure that your first and second choices for tracks match your availability.
If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an email with instructions on scheduling a date and time on or after March 14. Interviews will likely take place beginning Tuesday, March 18 – Friday, April 4. Kindly check your email regularly and reply promptly. We will extend offers for accepted scholars in mid-April. Applicants who have not been selected for Teen Science Scholars will be notified via email by the end of April, 2025.
At this time, all our internships will be offered in English. If a selected student's parent/guardian/caretaker would feel more comfortable conversing in another language, please get in touch with program coordinator Chelsea Barker to arrange translation services.