Explorers Program at Newark Museum

The Newark Museum Explorers Program is a year-round work-based, college-preparatory, and mentoring program that supports Newark high school students in their exploration of the sciences and humanities, and pursuit of a college education. The program is run from the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, United States.

Newark Museum Explorers Program logo.

History

In 1995, the Science Explorer's Program was the recipient of a start-up grant under the YouthAlive! Project, a national initiative, funded by the DeWitt Wallace Reader's Digest Fund in partnership with the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). The initiative called for the development of programs in museums that could provide positive work and learning opportunities for young people.

The Newark Museum, in keeping with its long history of actively addressing the needs of its community, designed such a program. Through the years, the Explorers' program has evolved into a successful college and job preparedness program that provides invaluable education, employment, and mentoring opportunities to urban youth.

The Newark Museum Explorers Program is also a recipient of a grant provided by the Rivendell Foundation.

Meetings and workshops

Explorers meet regularly for workshops, meetings and training sessions prior to each festival. Workshops offered in the past includes public speaking workshops, financial literacy workshops, glass art workshops, etiquette workshops, animation workshops, mural painting, soap and candle making workshops.

Meetings, workshops scheduled by program coordinator and field trips supersedes internship duties. If a meeting, field trip or workshop conflicts with Explorer's internship schedule, it is the Explorer's responsibility to inform their supervisor of the existing conflict in schedule.

Explorers are expected to participate in all meetings, workshops and field trips throughout their participation in the program. Attendance and participation in these events are vital parts of each student's experience and their continuation to participate in the Program.

Features

Program activities occur during after school hours (3.30–5.00pm), on weekends from 9 to 5 pm, during June and July, and school breaks.