The Museum Project

In the United States, teenagers volunteer 2.4 billion hours every year, with participation increasing steadily over the past decade, according to the University of Nevada, Reno. In Coral Gables, there are myriad volunteering opportunities for all age groups, though these are usually organized by adults. The Museum Project is different. 

Formed during the 2014-15 school year by students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy, The Museum Project is a team of high schoolers that volunteer at the Coral Gables Museum. It’s a small, tight-knit coalition, with 13 members, including sophomore and Museum Project president Layla Jaime. “I’m there every weekend,” Jaime says. “I just love talking to the students and people who come into the museum and interacting with the kids.”

The student volunteers act as tour guides for the museum, as well as unofficial photographers, social media creators, and general aids. These unique opportunities give them the chance to earn service hours while cultivating their creative abilities.

 “I think that these kinds of spaces may seem inaccessible to younger audiences, especially teenagers,” Jaime says. “The Museum Project also works to engage the teenage audience in arts and give them opportunities to serve their community and learn things hands-on from museum staff.”

 To further connect with these younger audiences, The Project is hoping to put together a student gallery night at the museum in April

which would display artwork made by students and live music by a teen band. “Those are absolutely the coolest events, and they’re entirely teen-planned, led, and organized. It’s a true testament to how much young people can do when they’re given the opportunity,” Jaime says.