Teen Museum Studies

Teen Museum Studies (TMS) is a summer intensive internship that engages high school students in direct exposure to museum careers, develops collaboration and critical thinking skills, and offers the chance to select and work with a St. Louis-based artist to organize an exhibition that premieres at CAM the following spring/summer season.

For students interested in professional development in the arts beyond artmaking, TMS is a great opportunity for teens to develop writing skills, hands-on experience working with artists, and a curatorial skillset.

An essential part of TMS is the involvement of local artists. We seek artist proposals for an exhibition in CAM’s Education Galleries to be juried by the TMS interns.

2026 Program

TMS runs from May 27–July 10, 2026 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2:00–4:00 pm.
There are three additional sessions required between August–November from 4:30–6:30 pm. More details to come.

2022 Teen Museum Studies Cohort. Photo: CAM staff.

TMS Student Intern Application

This program is for high school students in the St. Louis metro area.
Applications will be reviewed by the Learning & Engagement team. Preference will be given to a balanced TMS cohort: equal representation of repeat with new participants, participants with some art background with those seeking to gain art knowledge, and diversity of ages, gender, and racial identities.
Students may apply for public transportation reimbursement for travel to and from the museum.
Students are expected to attend all sessions. Interns who successfully complete the entire program will receive a $500 stipend.

Applications for the 2026 internship will open March 30, 2026.

For more information, please email Brandon Barr, Teen and Adult Programs Manager at bbarr@camstl.org

<em>Ruth Reese: Metamorphosis</em>, installation view, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, September 8, 2023 - February 11, 2024. Photo: Dusty Kessler

Artist Proposals

An essential part of Teen Museum Studies is the involvement of local artists. We seek proposals for an exhibition in CAM’s Education Galleries, which will be organized by Teen Museum Studies students. Eligible artists are invited to submit an exhibition proposal for consideration; the selected TMS artist receives a $1,500 stipend.

The call for proposals will open April 1, 2026.

Artists selected for Teen Museum Studies are still eligible for the Great Rivers Biennial.

Learn more