Education :: Discovery Squad [D-Squad]

The Discovery Squad is the work-based learning extension of the Museum Club program. Teens, ages 14-18 from Albany’s lower income neighborhoods are encouraged to continue learning in a comfortable, supportive environment while building their capacity to become healthy, well-rounded adults. Teens serve as mentors to younger Club kids while developing professional skills from adult mentors. Students acquire job training, receive academic and personal support, explore higher education opportunities and gain confidence as they serve the Museum in various work environments.

empowers teens to explore careers and professions, while instilling confidence through guided mentoring. Teens earn much-needed stipends while helping younger Museum Club kids with schoolwork; interpreting exhibits for the public; assisting in laboratories or other professional departments; or conducting floor demonstrations in the Museum. These valuable work experiences often lead teens to internships and additional work opportunities throughout the school year or summer months.

D-SQUAD ENCOURAGES TEENS TO:
• continue learning while helping or teaching others
• develop career and communication skills
• pursue goal-setting and critical thinking skills
  work as a team and learn to embrace and explore differences
• develop research and study skills in preparation for college

DAILY D-SQUAD ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
• tutoring and academic support
• Regents, SAT, college preparation
• informal counseling/coaching as needed
• work assignments throughout the Cultural Education Center (NYS Library, Archives, Museum)
• professional development opportunities such as job training, visits to work sites, internships and team-building activities
• exploration of adolescent issues through community workshops; global issues through Museum programming, team discussions and community service projects