Skirball intern Olivia Lara pictured third from right.
The Skirball’s Youth Programs create a continuum of opportunities for young people to learn, lead, and grow; from elementary and middle school students engaged through our School Programs, to teens in the Teen Advisory Committee, to classroom teachers in STAC. Extending this pipeline into early career stages, the Skirball Internship Program offers college students and emerging professionals meaningful, hands-on experience across multiple departments, from Education and Exhibitions to Development, Archives, and beyond. Interns gain both practical skills and mentorship, connecting with museum professionals and experiencing the collaborative nature of cultural work.
Within this larger framework, the Education Internship provides specialized training in museum teaching and youth engagement. Interns are assigned to the Education Department, where they gain access to colleagues across the institution through mentorships, cross-departmental meetings, and professional development sessions. They assist with school tours, public programs, and family events, receiving targeted workshops on early childhood learning and “slow looking.” Many go on to pursue careers in museums or education, with several former interns now serving in on-call or full-time positions at the Skirball.
What inspired you to apply for the Education Internship at the Skirball Cultural Center?
Having celebrated both my middle and high school graduations here, I have always admired Skirball’s blend of history, art, and community engagement. As an Interdisciplinary Studies and History major at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) aiming for a career in art education, I saw this internship as the perfect way to test my passion for teaching in a museum environment.
How has mentorship from Skirball Educators shaped your career aspirations and professional growth?
My supervisor, Sarah Podsiadlo (Family Programs Supervisor and Art Making Lead), has been a guiding force, inviting me to lead activities, offering real-time feedback during high-pressure moments, and encouraging creative risk-taking. Through her mentorship, I’ve refined my public-facing teaching skills and gained confidence in designing educational experiences.
Can you share a project or task during your internship that challenged you and what you learned from it?
For my final project, I worked on creating an interactive scavenger hunt worksheet for the Visions and Values gallery. Translating complex art concepts into child-friendly questions taught me how to balance educational depth with playful engagement and underscored the value of interactive learning.
In what ways has your experience here opened new pathways for your future in museum education or youth programming?
This internship has helped to expand my professional network—connecting with educators and administrators who have offered ongoing guidance and references. I have gained practical teaching experience and discovered educator positions that align with my long-term goal of developing youth-focused museum programs.
How has working at the Skirball informed your understanding of cultural inclusion and storytelling?
By observing diverse educators weave their personal narratives into programs, I’ve learned how cultural backgrounds enrich museum storytelling. This experience highlighted the importance of creating inclusive environments where every visitor feels represented and engaged.
Following her internship, Olivia was hired as an On-Call Educator for the Education and Family Programs team.