Fort Worth Student Selected as Smithsonian Young Ambassador for Summer Program

Fort Worth, TX (July 4, 2018) — The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is pleased to welcome Emily Morales on board this summer as a representative of the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Young Ambassadors Program (YAP). Morales is the fifth Young Ambassador to train at the Museum as part of the program, but she is the first to make a return engagement! She joined our Innovation Studios team as a high school student at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Morales has worked with Museum educators to facilitate STEM related activities and programs for guests of all ages.

“We’re honored to be part of this important program each year,” said Anne Santana, executive director of programs for the Museum. “What makes the internship even more special for us is that one of own staff members was chosen for the program. Emily has been a leader at her campus, and we are proud to have her be a leader here at the Museum.”

Morales enjoyed the experience so much, she applied to YAP for the opportunity to explore the museum world from a broader perspective. She is one of only 20 Young Ambassadors selected from across to the country to participate. The program empowers Latino student leaders through intensive art, culture and science internships and includes a week in Washington, D.C. for a behind-the-scenes look at the Smithsonian. The students participate in a series of hands-on workshops and discussions and engage in informal conversations with Latino leaders in the arts, culture and sciences. Following the week-long stay in D.C., students complete the program with a four-week museum internship.

“This is such a unique opportunity,” said Morales. “I know I will learn invaluable skills during my time at the Smithsonian which will help me right now, and also in the future. I’m grateful for the hands-on learning this program will provide as well as the network it will help me build.”

“This is just one reason of many we value the Museum’s relationship with the Smithsonian,” said Van A. Romans, Museum president. “As a Smithsonian affiliate, we provide access to programs, events and resources that otherwise might be out of reach. It’s gratifying to know Emily’s experience here motivated her to learn more about the museum world. We look forward to learning from her as well.”