river ambassadors
River Ambassadors
Ambassadors will receive training in community-based leadership, research, and museum education. The program utilizes a humanities-driven STEM model, which encourages a holistic understanding of the history and science of the Delaware River. The program puts equal emphasis on academic, professional, trade, and 21st century life skills. At the end of the program, participants will have a chance to share what they learned to an audience of city-leaders, professionals, and their families.
After a training period, the ambassadors will work in teams to teach to lessons a week for the public, in our interactive Learning Lab. Ambassadors are encouraged to pick lessons that they find the most interesting and add their own spin to those lessons. Additionally, they will work on a number of projects that utilize our collections, boat shop, and the Delaware River.
While the program is led by our education department, experts across fields of science, history, art, and politics will come in and speak with participants on a weekly basis. Ambassadors will also take fieldtrips to visit other history and science institutions and participate in collaborative projects with other teen programs in the city. College and career-readiness are built into the curriculum to ensure that ambassadors are prepared for life after high-school.
By the end of the program, ambassadors will have a better understanding of the principles of sustainability, STEM, and history. Ambassadors will be equipped to be change-makers in their neighborhoods, schools, and the greater Philadelphia community.
Skills acquired as an Ambassador:
Professional networking.
Leading lessons, public speaking, and museum education.
Problem solving and teamwork.
Researching, interpreting, and synthesizing scientific and historical information.
A Week in the Life of a River Ambassador!
Who Should Apply?
- Entering grades 10-12 or equivalent high school level enrollment.
- Available for the duration of the program: June 24th – August 23rd (after school starting August 26th).
- Enrolled in a high school within the city of Philadelphia.
- Eligible to work in the city of Philadelphia.
- Able to secure a work permit (if under 18 years old).
Apply here!
Please submit an application before April 19th at 12 AM to be considered for priority interviews.
Lead support for Independence Seaport Museum’s River Ambassadors is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Support also provided by The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust, The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, The Arcadia Foundation, The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, and The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation.
