Details About the Past Application Process for WMA Teens

The WMA Teens program selected up to twelve area sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Wiregrass region public, private, or homeschools who were oriented toward the arts and creativity, and who were looking to gain experience in arts programming and collaboration.

The museum launched WMA Teens during the 2021-22 school year, and built on its successes to reach teen audiences. Previous projects from WMA Teens include a well-attended Teen Night, planned and implemented by the students, and a public art project for three Free Little Art Supplies Libraries, located at community centers in Dothan and inside the museum.

Selected WMA Teens participants worked together to create and implement museum programming for teens, by teens. During this school year long commitment, teens learned about museum operations and pathways toward arts-oriented careers and education from museum staff, and had the opportunity to meet with regional artists who helped guide them in their artistic pursuits beyond high school. The committee also created, prepped, and hosted Teen Night for area teens, honing valuable skills in project and budget management, event planning, marketing/promotions, and arts outreach. Participating students who completed the program from October to May, received a $300 stipend and were eligible for community service hours.

Participants had to attend all 14 bi-monthly meetings from October to May, with the possibility for additional meetings possible closer to events. WMA staff reviewed applications and made selections for members each year, with a focus on selecting a council of students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and schools. Previous WMA Teen members had to reapply for consideration in the following year.

“The feedback we received from last year’s cohort was so encouraging. One participant stated that WMA Teens was the highlight of their year and that they gained ‘values, a work ethic, and work goals’ they would not have gained otherwise. This is exactly what we hoped for. We want area teens to feel that WMA is a safe space for them to learn, grow, and simply be themselves!” said Brook McGinnis, WMA’s education director.

Click here for more information on past WMA Teens For other education programs and offerings, please contact the museum at 334-794-3871.