M.LiT Application Information and Submission

Museum Leaders in Training (M.LiT)

2024–25 Theme: Storytelling

M.LiT is an application based, 12-week career-development and leadership-training program for teens in grades 8 through 12. Participants explore museum careers and serve as advisors in the development of other teen programs at VMFA. With the help of guest lecturers and VMFA staff, teens learn team building, research, and other skills that prepare them for employment. They also network with peers, mentors, and museum professionals.

The 2024-25 M.LiT program will focus on planning a teen storytelling event inspired by the special exhibitions American, born Hungary: The Hungarian American Photographic Legacy and A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845 [Oct 5, 2024 – Jan 26, 2025]. Program participants will make thematic connections between the two photography exhibitions and collaborate with VMFA staff and community partners to create and present a storytelling event. Students will develop their writing and public speaking skills and learn more about what is involved planning and marketing a public event.

In this rigorous program, students will gain a strong appreciation of the visual arts, in relation to history and culture. Workshops are held Thursday evenings beginning in early October through the end of January. Students will have the opportunity to interpret artworks, build healthy and lasting relationships with peers and instructors, and develop an understanding of the function of art and museums in society. This leadership program is taught through hands-on workshops, insightful lectures, and engaging discussions.

Program Orientation: Thu, Sep 26, 2024, 6–8 pm, Reynolds Lecture Hall
Workshops: Thursdays, Oct 10, 2024-Jan 23, 2025, 5:30–8:30 pm, Pauley Center Studios
Holiday Breaks: Oct 3, Oct 31, Nov 28, Dec 26, 2024 and Jan 2, 2025
Storytelling Event: Fri, Jan 24, 2025, Time TBD, Marble Hall
M. LiT Recognition Ceremony: Sun, Feb 2, 2025, Time TBD, Marble Hall

*Dates/times subject to change

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APPLICATION

All Call for Applications: Thu, Aug 1, 2024
Application Deadline: Fri, Sep 6, 2024 by 11:59 pm
Applicants will be notified of decision by Fri, Sep 20, 2024

Submission Guidelines

In addition to your application form, please submit the following:

Personal Essay – Required

Your personal essay should be in response to the following prompt. Keep the helpful writing tips below in mind:

• Carefully read and follow all directions.
• Do not exceed the maximum word-count.
• Be straightforward and confident
• Proofread your work

Prompt: In 500 to 1,000 words, describe your interest in this year’s project and also describe a time when you worked together with one or more people on a project or toward a shared goal.

In your response please consider the following:

• What makes you interested in this year’s theme? What experiences and/or skills do you bring to the topic?
• Describe your role as an individual within the group and as a member of the group?
• How did the group make decisions about how to share responsibilities?
• What made your group successful?
• In hindsight, is there anything that could have improved the way your group worked together?

Click to Apply

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Recommendation (non-family members) – Required

Choose a professional/personal reference (teacher, coach, supervisor, scout leader, etc.) who is not related to you who can provide details about you that include:

• Performance as a student
• Aptitude and industriousness
• Maturity and seriousness of purpose
• Level of commitment and ability to follow through
• Leadership abilities and/or experience
• Character

Copy and share this link to your recommender for online submission: https://vmfa.formstack.com/forms/teen_programs_recommendation_form

Submit Recommendation

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M.LiT is generously supported by the Hillsdale Fund.