The Museum Apprentice Program (MAP) at The Children's Museum offers teens a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience while making a positive impact on the community. MAPs are an integral part of the museum's culture, providing valuable assistance with exhibits and events while developing their own leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. It's a perfect way for teenagers to explore their interests, build their resumes, and contribute to a fun and inspiring environment.
2025–26 Applications
Applications for the 2025–26 program year are open.
The program runs from September–May and is for ages 13–18. Selected participants must spend a minimum of two days at the museum each month (approximately 6 hours a month) during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings take place one Saturday and one Wednesday evening per month. Students must also volunteer with the museum at least once each semester.
Apply
Applications are due by May 31, 2025.
The 2025 REX Talks
Each MAP cohort works together to plan, design, create, and complete a project. This year, the MAPs hosted REX Talks,* providing them the opportunity to present meaningful insights and discoveries that occurred during their experience with the Museum Apprentice Program. Jackson Thomas and Isabella Todd served as emcees and the evening covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from art, to memories, to brain development, to feminism, and much more!Inspiration was the undeniable theme of the night at REX Talks, as MAP teens took to the stage to share powerful, personal stories that moved the audience and sparked reflection.
Here are the amazing 2025 REX Talk presenters
Katelyn Chen
Katelyn started the night talking about how stories transcend time and the importance of great storytelling. Throughout the museums 100 years, stories often highlight the past, embrace the present, and fuel the future. Being in the MAP program, they often get to hear inspiring stories and get to deliver them too!
Veronica Trevathan
Veronica delivered a fun and engaging talk on how dinosaurs "stomped their way" into her heart and inspired her future career in paleontology. Her use of humor, dynamic visuals—and yes, even a dinosaur-themed dress—captivated the crowd.
Anna Liao
Anna shared a deeply personal and emotional story about surviving a serious medical condition that nearly stole her life—and her joy. She credited the Museum Apprentice Program (MAP) for giving her a lifeline, saying that without it, she may not have been standing on that stage. Her message was clear: MAP is not only changing lives—it’s saving them.
Savannah Greenbaum
Savannah inspired with her powerful message about breaking barriers in medicine. Drawing on the concept of the Miranda Effect, she highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of women in science and confidently claimed her place in that legacy. Her voice echoed with purpose as she pledged to pave the way for the next generation of women in medicine.
Rory Trevathan
Rory encouraged aspiring writers to pursue their ideas without fear. Her message: if you have a story to tell, it deserves to be heard. Don’t let self-doubt stop you — your voice may resonate more than you realize.
Emma Foster
Emma used the tale of Winnie the Pooh's Hephalumps to discuss how growing up often means overcoming fears, and the ways that memories shape us into who we are.
Ava Liao
Ava talked about her transformation as a MAP, by way of turtle analogies. Growing up as a shy kid, she was often afraid to share her thoughts and ideas. She learned growth does not happen in isolation—which helped her come out of her shell. As a member of MAP, she now desires to inspire those with quiet curious minds. You are your own turtle, step outside and see the world is waiting for your voice!
Each speaker left the audience with a renewed sense of courage, purpose, and belief in their own potential. REX Talks 2025 wasn’t just a night of speeches—it was a night of transformation.
Congratulations to our 2024–25 MAP team
You all worked incredibly hard all year and it showed!From the presenters who shared their stories, to the tech and decorating teams who helped create the look of the evening, as well as the teams who created promotional materials and entry activities—you all worked together and put on an amazing event!
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* "Real voices. Extraordinary ideas." The name is also inspired by our mascot Rex.
