Edventure launches internship program for future educators
March 24, 2016
$10,000 Scholarships Will Be Awarded to Area College Students Supporting EdVenture’s After School Programs
COLUMBIA, SC – EdVenture announced today the launch of the EdVenture Fellows Program, a new year-long internship for exceptional college students considering careers in education. Up to ten EdVenture Fellows will be admitted in the inaugural year. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a $10,000 college scholarship for the next school year and a personal recommendation letter for future employment.
EdVenture Fellows will gain classroom teaching experience working directly with elementary and middle school students in EdVenture’s After School Programs throughout the Midlands. In addition, Fellows will provide education programs on the floor of EdVenture’s Children Museum. They will benefit from monthly training and mentorship from EdVenture’s team of seasoned educators, as well as career development and leadership opportunities. As a program capstone, Fellows will be invited to participate in EdVenture’s annual professional development Summer Institute for teachers.
According to statistics from the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement, an average of 5,200 state public school teachers leave the classroom each year while only 2,200 students graduate from South Carolina teacher education programs. EdVenture’s new Fellows program is designed to support strong students interested in careers in education.
“Our education team is devoted to supporting teachers,” said Nikki Williams, EdVenture Executive Vice President. “And the EdVenture Fellows program is a direct way to inspire a new generation of teachers who understand the importance of helping children love to learn.”
EdVenture is working with representatives from area colleges and universities to connect with potential applicants. Applications are currently being accepted for the pilot program during 2016-17 academic year through April 15, 2016. EdVenture Fellows will be announced in May.
About EdVenture Children’s Museum
The mission of EdVenture is to inspire children to experience the joy of learning. EdVenture is a locally-managed, not-for-profit informal educational institution dedicated to lifelong learning through its 92,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor interactive exhibit space and in its educational outreach programs and after school programs. The museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries, creating shared experiences and memories for families learning together. For more information about EdVenture, visit www.edventure.org or call (803) 779-3100.
