NHMU’s Youth Teaching Youth Program Celebrates 30 Years of Science Education
SALT LAKE CITY, October 26, 2024 –The Natural History Museum of Utah is proud to announce the 30th anniversary of its Youth Teaching Youth (YTY) program in October 2024. This milestone marks three decades of empowering middle school students to become science educators while helping them achieve personal and academic success.
Middle school mentors from Glendale Middle School receive specialized education from museum educators where they are equipped with knowledge in various science topics, interactive teaching strategies, and effective communication techniques tailored for younger audiences. Armed with these skills, the mentors then apply their expertise by educating 4th grade students across Salt Lake City.
"Since its inception, the YTY program has been a beacon of science outreach and enrichment, providing middle school students with the opportunity to learn how to teach science while also serving as mentors for their younger peers. This program has had a profound impact on countless students, empowering them to become leaders in science education. We look forward to continuing this legacy for many years to come."
Glendale Middle School is located on the west side of Salt Lake City in a neighborhood that faces several socioeconomic challenges, including lower income levels and higher rates of poverty compared to other areas of the city. Many residents are from minority groups, with a large percentage identifying as Hispanic or Pacific Islander. 66% of Glendale Middle School students identify as Hispanic. In Glendale, there is also a high proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to barriers in accessing resources and services.
Engagement in the YTY program extends beyond the classroom. Participants partake in team-building exercises, embark on overnight trips to state and national parks, and engage in other enriching activities that reinforce their connection to the natural world.
In a move to continue engaging students into their young adult life, upon transitioning to high school, participants continue their journey by actively teaching middle schoolers and guiding them through their own scientific exploration. High school participants are also provided with unique opportunities to further explore science and educational pathways. They have the chance to complete internships in different museum departments, embark on college tours, and participate in enriching experiences that broaden their understanding of the natural world.
The Youth Teaching Youth program is an integral part of the Natural History Museum of Utah's commitment to community outreach and education. By inspiring the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards, the museum aims to create a brighter future for our planet.
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About the Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.