2027 Youth & Family Programs Spring Intern

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton,Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization. 

Job Description:

Job Title:2027 Youth & Family Programs Spring Intern

Reports to:Marta Knodle

FLSA Classification:Non-Exempt

Location:Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed:04/17/2026

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. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

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 apriority, as many programs and events take place during this time. Some evening and weekend hours are required to support public programs and events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Youth & Family Public Programs Intern will learn the required elements of creating, producing, implementing and supporting various programs. The following areas of support in the Public Programs Department will be specifically targeted:

·        Program production and facilitation

·        Content development

·        Administrative tasks as assigned

The intern will assist with and learn to support programs including, but not limited to:

·        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

Responsibilities may include program preparation, on-site support, guest engagement, material organization, setup and breakdown, and observation of teaching strategies and visitor interactions.

Qualifications and Requirements

·        Experience/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:

·        Hours: High School Interns: up to 15 hours a week; Undergraduate Interns: up to 20 hours a week; Graduate

Interns: up to 25 hours a week

• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the past three years. Students are required to submit a current schedule or an official transcript.

Compensation:

• High School Interns: $12.00
• Undergraduate Students: $13.00
• Graduate Students: $14.00

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. 

Required Documents:

Applicants who wish to be considered for this internship position must adhere to the stated application requirements. A complete application must include both a cover letter and a resume.

Cover Letter Questions:·       

• Question 1: What excites you most about the opportunity to design or support programs that spark curiosity in young audiencess?
• Question 2: 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?·       
• Question 3: Describe your experience (if any) with educational programming, art instruction, or working with youth. How would you apply that experience here?·       
• Resume

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 and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, the position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, and physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. 

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. 

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States. 

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.