MYA is a powerful way to help guide the museum in what teens want and need. Youth Advisors make the museum more welcoming for their peers by finding fun and creative ways to connect teens with MOHAI, and providing input on the development of museum programming and exhibits.
MYA is teen-driven; Youth Advisors work together to choose and build their own projects and activities. MYA also interact with MOHAI staff to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work of a museum and dive deeper into local history. This team of twelve high school students meet regularly from September-June and are offered a monthly stipend.
MYA is also the creative force behind Rainy Day History, an award-winning podcast that explores Seattle’s past as it is mirrored in our city today. Season 3 will be released this spring!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What do MYA participants do?
MYA meets weekly, alternating between in-person meetings and online check-ins. Throughout the year, youth advisors get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum, provide feedback & input on MOHAI projects, and plan events, resources, & opportunities for teens at the museum.
- Meet museum and history professionals to learn more about how a museum runs
- Get sneak peeks and provide feedback on ongoing MOHAI projects
- Discuss and think creatively about the role of local history in teens’ lives
- Collaborate with staff, partners, and each other to organize events
- Represent MOHAI in the community and at partner events
Recent MYA projects have included:
- Working on Season 3 of the Rainy Day History podcast
- Publishing a Seattle history coloring book
- Running the @mohaiteens Instagram account
- Writing and creating pieces for the Rainy Day History blog
- Writing, filming, and editing videos on Seattle history
- Making zines and walking tours
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Who is eligible to participate in MYA?
MOHAI Youth Advisors come from neighborhoods and schools across the greater Seattle area, are a mix of returning members and first-time participants, and include students with a variety of interests, skills, ages, and experiences.
MOHAI looks for creative, collaborative, and motivated teens that are passionate about history and community to get involved, connect, and have an impact at the museum. The program lasts from late September through mid-June, and applicants must be high school students between the ages of 14-18 at the start of the program.
MOHAI is committed to building a team and an organizational culture that fosters inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility – we encourage students from marginalized backgrounds to apply!
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What are the participation expectations?
Regular attendance and active participation in MYA meetings and projects throughout the year (October-June with a September orientation) is required.
In-person meetings are held at the museum twice a month on Thursday evenings, 5-7 pm.
Assignments and projects require an additional, independent time commitment outside of regular meeting hours. These include but are not limited to volunteer shifts, project tasks and check-ins, short reflections, etc. This time commitment depends on your own capacity and schedule and fluctuates throughout the year, but on average MYA participants spend 0-2 hours a week working on projects outside of meeting times.
MYA are also expected to communicate with staff in a timely manner about known absences and catch up on missed work.
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Is MYA a paid position?
Yes. Each participant receives a monthly stipend of $100 per month. Students may alternatively choose to complete the program for community service hours.
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How does the MYA application process work?
The 2025-26 MYA program is currently underway! MOHAI will not be running the Youth Advisors program in the 2026-27 school year. Please check back next year for program updates.