Exhibit Designer Intern - MLK - Summer 2025 - Greening Youth Foundation

Position: Exhibit Designer - Intern XL

Pay: $17.40/hour (40 hour/week)
Dates: May 19 - August 9

Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312

Work Environment:
This is largely office work, but there will be several site visits to nearby museums. The park usually hosts several summer interns, throughout all park divisions.

Description:
The primary visitor contact location is the Visitor Center, which is temporarily closing this winter for a rehabilitation project. This intern project is essential in maintaining and enhancing visitor engagement and education during the closure. By creating a digital program, the park can continue to provide meaningful, accessible visitor services in alternative formats. Developing digital exhibits and interactive experiences introduces new approaches to public history that can enhance the visitor offerings. The experience gained from this project can help the park establish hybrid programs that integrate physical and digital resources, making future services more resilient.


Develop a Digital Program on the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Objectives:
• Educational Engagement: To inform visitors about the historical context, key figures, and events surrounding the passage of the Voting Rights Act, highlighting its impact on American society and civil rights, and the role Dr. King Played in its passage.
• Interactive Learning: To offer an immersive, digital experience that allows visitors to explore primary sources, personal stories, and significant moments associated with the Act.
• Connection to Civic Responsibility: To encourage visitors to reflect on the importance of civic engagement and the ongoing role of voting rights in American democracy.

Components:
1. Interactive Timeline
• Description: A touchscreen timeline will display key events leading up to the 1965 Voting Rights Act, featuring photos, videos, and audio clips of speeches and news reports. This timeline will provide context on the events and struggles that spurred the Act's creation.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Experience
• Description: Using AR, visitors can view historic landmarks or famous events associated with the Voting Rights Movement, such as the Selma to Montgomery March and office of Dr. King located at Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) located up the street from the Visitor Center. Visitors can access these AR experiences through the NPS app on tablets or smartphones, viewing reenactments or interviews with civil rights leaders.
• Purpose: This component brings historic events to life, allowing visitors to experience them in a personalized and immersive way.

3. Personal Story Profiles
• Description: This feature will showcase stories from people directly impacted by the Voting Rights Act, including activists, community leaders, and citizens who faced voter suppression. Video and audio recordings will provide firsthand accounts, illustrating the Act's significance in individual lives.

4. Interactive "Know Your Rights” Section
• Description: A quiz-style module will inform visitors about voting rights, including protections established by the Voting Rights Act and later amendments. This section aims to connect historical content to present-day voting rights and civic responsibilities.
• Learning Outcomes: By participating in the quiz, visitors can learn about their rights, explore current challenges to voting access, and understand the relevance of voting rights in today's context.

5. Visitor Feedback and Reflection Station
• Description: This digital station invites visitors to share their thoughts on the exhibit. Visitors can answer questions about the exhibit's impact or leave messages about how the history of voting rights resonates

Learning Goals:
This internship at the National Park Service Visitor Center will provide valuable, hands-on experience in exhibit design, digital media, and visitor engagement within a real-world museum setting. The intern will achieve the following learning goals:

1. Practical Knowledge in Technology Integration
• Develop Skills in Exhibit Technology: Gain direct experience researching, testing, and implementing interactive exhibit technologies (e.g., touchscreens, VR, AR) for educational purposes.
• Digital Program Development and Testing: Learn to create and refine digital programs and web-based interactive elements tailored to a diverse audience.
• Experience in Accessibility Compliance: Understand ABAAS compliance and accessibility best practices to ensure inclusivity in tech-driven museum exhibits.

2. Project Management and Problem-Solving Skills
• Learn Project Management Essentials: Plan, manage, and document phases of exhibit enhancement projects from inception to implementation.
• Enhance Problem-Solving Abilities: Troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze visitor feedback, and implement solutions to optimize the effectiveness of techdriven exhibits.

3. Data Collection and Visitor Insights
• Visitor Engagement and Analytics: Develop skills in using feedback tools, such as surveys and kiosks, to gather and analyze visitor data to inform exhibit improvements.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Gain insights into interpreting visitor behavior and preferences to design exhibits that meet audience needs and enhance engagement.

4. Collaboration and Communication Skills
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with NPS staff, tech experts, and exhibit designers to understand how cross-functional teams contribute to exhibit planning and visitor engagement.
• Develop Clear Communication Skills: Practice conveying technical information effectively to non-technical audiences and document procedures for staff training and exhibit upkeep.

5. Insight into Museum and Park Management
• Understand Museum Operations: Gain exposure to the operational and educational goals of a national visitor center, including the NPS's mission, educational objectives, and conservation priorities.
• Learn Sustainable Practices in Exhibit Design: Understand how to incorporate sustainability into technology planning, aligning with the NPS's environmental stewardship goals.

These learning goals will help prepare the intern for a career in museum technology, public
history, or educational design by providing them with a robust foundation in technologyenhanced
learning within the National Park Service.

Mentorship:

The National Park Service (NPS) staff will actively mentor the intern throughout the internship, providing structured guidance, skill-building experiences, and opportunities for professional growth. This support will be essential for maximizing the intern's learning and helping them successfully contribute to the technology integration project.

1. Structured Onboarding and Orientation
• Introduction to NPS Mission and Visitor Center Goals: NPS staff will provide a comprehensive orientation on the park's mission, the Visitor Center's objectives, and the intern's role in enhancing visitor engagement.
• Technology and Exhibit Overview: Staff will familiarize the intern with existing exhibit technology and introduce them to project tools, guiding them through NPS protocols for project documentation and accessibility compliance.

2. Weekly Check-ins with a Dedicated Mentor
• Assigned Mentor for Consistent Guidance: An experienced NPS staff member in digital media or exhibit design will serve as the intern's primary mentor, offering weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback.
• Goal Setting and Professional Growth: The mentor will work with the intern to set clear, attainable goals at the start of the internship, revisiting these objectives regularly to track accomplishments and growth areas.

3. Hands-On Learning with Project Team
• Collaborative Project Work: The intern will be integrated into the technology project team, where they'll gain hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and implementing technology in exhibits.
Staff will guide the intern through each phase, offering real-time feedback and modeling best practices.
• Job Shadowing Across Divisions: To enhance their understanding of NPS operations, the intern will have opportunities to shadow professionals in exhibit curation, visitor services, and educational programming, giving them a wellrounded perspective on NPS work.

4. Feedback and Evaluation Sessions
• Midpoint and Final Evaluations: Formal evaluations with the intern's mentor and project supervisor will provide structured feedback on their progress, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
• Portfolio and Resume Review: At the end of the internship, staff will assist the intern in developing a portfolio of their work, reviewing their resume, and offering professional advice to prepare them for future roles in museum technology or educational exhibit design.

5. Networking and Career Development Opportunities
• Introduction to Career Pathways within NPS: Mentors will discuss career pathways within NPS and in related fields, offering advice on further education or skills that can help the intern pursue a career in museum technology or public history.

By providing this structured mentorship, the NPS Visitor Center staff will equip the intern with meaningful professional experiences, relevant skills, and valuable connections, fostering both immediate and long-term career development.

Requirements:
• Education or experience with digital or interactive exhibit design
• Proficiency with design software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Canva.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for creating user-friendly guides and interacting with visitors.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:
To effectively carry out the responsibilities of this technology-focused internship, applicants should have the following qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in fields such as Museum Studies, Digital Media, Information Technology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or related areas.
• Relevant coursework in:
- Digital or interactive exhibit design
- User experience (UX) or user interface (UI) design
- Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) development
- Environmental or cultural studies (preferred)
• Proficiency with design software and tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or Canva.
• Experience with multimedia or interactive software (e.g., Unity, HTML5 for interactive kiosks).
• Basic knowledge of AR/VR technologies and how they can be used in educational settings.
• Familiarity with web development (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) is a plus.
• Experience with data collection or analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics) for gathering visitor feedback and usage data.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles for exhibits and digital media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for creating user-friendly guides and interacting with visitors.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of NPS staff, designers, and tech specialists.
• Customer service skills to assist visitors with new technologies as needed.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting and optimizing tech applications in realworld environments.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, meeting deadlines for different project phases.
• Detail-oriented approach to testing and refining prototypes based on visitor feedback.
• Passion for enhancing public engagement with cultural heritage through innovative technology.
• Adaptability to work in a dynamic setting with evolving project needs.
• Commitment to sustainable practices and accessible design, aligned with NPS's
mission.

Minimum Requirements:
• Must be able to pass a federal background check
• Must be between 16 and 30 years of age
• Must be U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident
• Current student or recent graduate (no more than two years) from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
• Able to participate in workshop in Washington, D.C from August 3rd – 8th, 2025

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The National Park Service (NPS) is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of the public it serves. This commitment extends to all visitors, employees, and interns, ensuring that the park is a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, the park enriches its educational mission and enhances the visitor experience through diverse narratives and perspectives.

Concrete Steps to Foster a Safe and Inclusive Environment for the Intern:
1. Comprehensive Orientation on Diversity and Inclusion
• Introduction to NPS's Diversity Goals: During orientation, the intern will learn about the NPS's initiatives and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), highlighting the park's focus on creating an inclusive workplace and respectful, welcoming environment.

2. Dedicated Mentorship and Supportive Supervision
• Assigned Mentor with DEI Training: The intern will be paired with a mentor who has undergone DEI training and is prepared to provide guidance and support, ensuring that the intern feels valued and respected.
• Regular Check-Ins and Feedback Sessions: Scheduled one-on-one meetings with the intern's supervisor and mentor will provide a safe space for the intern to discuss any challenges, share feedback, and feel supported throughout the internship.

3. Inclusive Work Culture and Team-Building Activities
• Celebrating Diverse Perspectives: The intern will be encouraged to share their background and unique perspectives in project discussions, enriching the team's approach to exhibit design and enhancing the inclusivity of the visitor experience.

4. Safe Reporting and Anti-Discrimination Policies
• Clear Anti-Discrimination Policies: The intern will be informed of NPS's antidiscrimination policies, which protect all employees and interns from harassment, discrimination, and bias based on race, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics.
• Access to Confidential Reporting: The intern will be made aware of confidential reporting channels to safely address any concerns, with assurance that concerns will be handled promptly and respectfully by management.

5. Accessible and Inclusive Workspace Accommodations
• Physical Accessibility: The park will ensure that all workspaces, including digital equipment and exhibit technology, are accessible and safe for interns of all physical abilities.
• Flexible Scheduling and Religious Accommodations: The park will accommodate requests for flexible scheduling to support religious practices, family obligations, and other needs unique to the intern's background.

6. Support for Cultural Understanding in Public Engagement
• Showcasing Diverse Narratives in Exhibits: The park encourages the intern to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into the technology-enhanced exhibits, providing a platform for underrepresented stories within the NPS experience.

More About the Location:
The park is located near downtown Atlanta, in Sweet Auburn-a historic African American neighborhood. There is a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, easy access to the Atlanta Beltline, and proximity to the King Center and various museums. Most staff commute via car, but there is a MARTA train station nearby and a bus station even closer.