GEM High School Internship Program

The GEM High School Internship Program (Guide, Engage, Mobilize) is a school-year internship at the Idaho State Museum in Boise for high school students curious about history and museum work. Teens from across the Treasure Valley join the museum team for the year. Interns research stories from Idaho's past, work alongside museum professionals, and hear from guest speakers. They help run family and youth programs, events, and Community Days. Each group curates and designs a poster exhibit and plans a Teen Takeover event and an exhibit opening for friends and family. Interns also take field trips to other Idaho State Historical Society sites, including the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The 2025-2026 program ran from November 4, 2025 to June 16, 2026. Interns met every other Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., with up to three excused absences allowed. The program pays a $500 stipend, split into a December payment and a June payment.

Open to high school students. Interns must attend bi-weekly Tuesday meetings (4-7 p.m.) and sign up for at least 3 volunteer shifts at museum events. Students apply with an online application, and a select number are invited to group interviews at the museum. Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort were due September 23, with interviews held October 6, 7 and 8.