Critical Action Lab
Applications Now Open!
Are you interested in learning how to make a difference in your community? Do you want to improve your critical thinking skills? Apply to be a Critical Action Lab Fellow at the Natural History Museum of Utah!
What to Expect: As a Critical Action Lab Fellow, you’ll work with a group of other highly motivated teens to plan and lead community action projects focused on teaching critical thinking and bringing awareness to important topics of your choice! These projects could be anything, from our annual Youth Climate Summit to school outreach presentations to Teen Game Nights at the Museum. You’ll also learn professional skills through guest speakers, field trips, and monthly meetings with our national network of partner organizations.
What We’re Looking For: We are seeking teens ages 14-18 with a strong interest in community organizing and critical thinking. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working in team settings, while also being willing to learn and grow.
Program Commitments: Approximately 10-15 paid hours per month, including
- Commitment to the program from September 3rd, 2026 to June 20th, 2027
- Weekly meetings Thursday afternoons at the Natural History Museum of Utah (every other week will be a virtual meeting)
- Monthly meetings with our national network partners the first Sunday morning of each month
- As a group, plan and lead at least 3 action projects (to take place sometime between Jan and June 2027)
- 2-3 at-home independent work hours per month (monitoring emails, reviewing professional development materials, action project tasks, recruiting for activities, etc.)
Questions about this Fellowship? Email criticalactionlab@nhmu.utah.edu.
Apply by clicking the button below! Applications close August 5, and you can expect to know whether or not you have been selected for an interview by early August.
Teens using critical thinking to create change in their communities.
What is the Critical Action Lab?
The Critical Action Lab (CAL) is a paid internship program for teens passionate about critical thinking and community collaboration. CAL Fellows apply critical thinking skills as they work together to plan activities designed to engage their peers in learning how to take action in their communities. Each year is different as Fellows have the freedom to plan projects related to issues they care about.
The first group of CAL Fellows began work in Fall 2023! They have designed and hosted a series of activities, including an annual Youth Climate Summit, teen Game Nights, environmental fairs, nature clean-ups, and school outreach presentations.
What Does it Take to be a Critical Action Lab Fellow?
The Critical Action Lab program is designed to support dedicated, driven teens seeking to improve their leadership skills and learn how to work collaboratively in a team. Through the program teens are provided with the resources and learn the skills needed to make an impact.
Interested in Joining?
Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are now open! See above for more information about the program and how to apply.
Questions about the Critical Action Lab Program?
Please email us to learn more.
Sign up here to receive email updates about the program and our activities.
Looking for more great information about the environmental topics covered during our annual Summit?