The museum of discovery and science will strengthen the scope and impact of two paid workforce development internship programs for south florida high school students grades 10-12: everglades…

The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, FL was awarded a $1,009,936 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museums for America (MFA) program. The grant will be used to strengthen and expand two paid workforce development internship programs for South Florida high school students in grades 10-12: the Everglades EcoExplorers and the Aviation Academy.

The internships will provide students from underserved communities with education, training, field experiences, networking opportunities with collegiate faculty and industry professionals, and part-time paid employment as museum educators. The goal is to increase STEM knowledge and experience for these students, as well as develop pathways to STEM-focused collegiate education and careers. The grant period runs from Sep 1, 2024 to Aug 31, 2025.

The museum of discovery and science will strengthen the scope and impact of two paid workforce development internship programs for south florida high school students grades 10-12: everglades ecoexplorers and the aviation academy. The internships will provide students with education and training, field experiences and excursions to aviation facilities, networking with college faculty and industry professionals, and part-time paid employment as museum educators. Staff will pursue certification as a florida ready to work credentialed program and will work with collegiate partners and industry professionals in environmental sustainability and aviation to provide mentorship opportunities. As a result of the project, students from underserved communities will gain increased science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) knowledge and experience, and develop pathways to stem collegiate education and careers.