Scientist-Teen Apprenticeship
In 2007-2008, COSEE-NE is piloting a Teen Apprenticeship Program at the New England Aquarium, with the goal to develop a model for other informal educational institutions. The program, developed in conjunction with the Massachusetts Mentoring Partnership, includes programming for scientists and teens alike:
Funding and training for scientists
The scientists’ department receives one month’s salary support to fund researchers’ time. Scientists are asked to commit to attending one informational workshop and one training session, work with a teen over the course of one year, and participate in evaluation of the program.
Funding and training for teens
Teens in two New England Aquarium programs have the opportunity to work with an Aquarium researcher as Apprentices over the course of one year. COSEE-NE is funding an internship for high-school age student(s) in the Teen Program, as well as scholarships for 8th and 9th graders from the Advanced Summer Camp program to continue their work with an ocean scientist into the school year.
Program evaluation and transfer
COSEE-NE’s external evaluator, PERG, will conduct interviews with participants and evaluate the impact of the program on both scientists and teens. Our goal is to identify the most valuable components of the training and experience, so that this pilot can serve as a model for other informal institutions.
Peer education and communication
To broaden the impact of the Apprenticeship, participants will work with a communications professional to determine ways and means for telling their peers about their experience, whether video, podcast, or Whyville.
For more information, contact Pam DiBona.
