A Careers in Science intern shows a museum visitor a sea star and explains intertidal life at the Academy’s Touch Tidepool.

The California Academy of Sciences’ Careers in Science Intern program offers high school students from communities traditionally underrepresented in the sciences opportunities to learn about core science concepts and explore potential science careers in an authentic, paid work environment. The year-round program gives between 40-45 participants unique opportunities to learn alongside Academy scientists and share their knowledge with museum visitors by serving as educators on the museum floor. Interns also are valuable role models that make science more approachable to young people. The Intern program fulfills the very real need for many students to earn money outside of school while providing unparalleled educational experiences that can not be replicated in the classroom. All interns apply to college, and many are the first in their families to attend. One intern remarked:

“One thing I’ve learned about myself during my time in the Intern Program is that I can be a leader and that I can teach science to pretty much anybody. I also believe I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

As a founding supporter of Careers in Science in 1999, the Ayrshire Foundation’s dedicated lead support in the last five years has enabled the program to flourish while also serving as leverage for additional program support by other funders.

The California Academy of Sciences has served the San Francisco Bay Area for over 150 years, and fulfills its mission to explore and explain the natural world through research, exhibits and educational programming and features a natural history museum, planetarium, and the Steinhart Aquarium.