Science Museum Oklahoma has been awarded a generous grant from the NBA Foundation to support and expand its Teen Apprentice Program, a year-long workforce development initiative designed to empower Oklahoma City teens through hands on STEAM experiences, leadership training, and career readiness.
The Teen Apprentice Program serves teens ages 14 to 17, providing immersive opportunities to explore STEAM careers while developing essential professional skills. Apprentices participate in resume building, interview preparation, soft skills training, behind the scenes museum experiences, and innovative workshops focused on curation and STEAM disciplines. Each cohort also plans and hosts a teen-led event at Science Museum Oklahoma, building confidence, collaboration, and real-world leadership experience.
Support from the NBA Foundation helps remove barriers for under-sourced teens, creating meaningful pathways into future education and careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
“This investment from the NBA Foundation is a powerful affirmation of what teens are capable of when given access, trust, and opportunity,” said Sherry Marshall, John E. Kirkpatrick President and CEO of Science Museum Oklahoma. “Our Teen Apprentice Program is beyond science learning, it is helping young people see themselves as leaders, professionals, and problem solvers of the future.”
The grant supports the program during the 2026 to 2027 term, expanding access for teens across the Oklahoma City area and strengthening Science Museum Oklahoma’s commitment to workforce development and community impact. Programs like the Teen Apprentice Program impact our state’s economy because nearly 80% of STEM graduates stay in Oklahoma for their careers.
Science Museum Oklahoma is a nonprofit museum that receives no ongoing city or state government funding. Programs like the Teen Apprentice Program are made possible through philanthropic support from partners who believe in investing in the next generation.
For more information about the Teen Apprentice Program, visit smo.org/teenapprentice .