Introduction:

Each summer, the National Women’s History Museum invites K–12 educators to join the NWHM’s For Educators, By Educators (FEBE) initiative—a unique professional development opportunity where educators co-create classroom resources alongside NWHM education staff. By combining classroom experience with rigorous women’s history research, these K-12 educators have the unique opportunity to bring accessible, relevant, and representative digital resources to classrooms across the country.      

2026 Theme:   

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the National Women’s History Museum calls on K-12 Educators to tell the whole story of American History. Too often, women’s contributions in history are presented as supplemental rather than central to the events that shaped the nation. We ask that educators rethink their previous approaches to familiar American history–the American Revolution, Civil War, the Progressive Era, Civil Rights–and intentionally embed women’s leadership, labor, and resistance not as an addendum, but on the same level as historical forefathers.      

The 2026 For Educators, By Educators cohort will work with museum education staff to create a lesson plan on an era in American history that incorporates the roles of our foremothers therein. Together cohort members and museum staff will collaborate to create a lesson plan grounded in primary sources, inquiry design method, and sound pedagogy that teachers across the country can implement in their own classrooms to ensure their students receive more than just half of the American story.       

Who Can Apply:   

Any current K–12 educator is welcome to apply.   

Proposals are reviewed for alignment with:   

•  The Museum’s mission 
•  The annual theme 
•  Diversity in topic, grade level, and teaching approach 

2026 Cohort Details:   

Program Dates:    

Begins – 06/01/2026 

Ends – 07/30/2026      

Format:   All work is completed virtually via email, Google Classroom, and required online weekly cohort meetings.      

Application Requirements: 

• 1 Letter of Recommendation. 
• A letter of Interest. 
• A sample of a previous lesson plan. 

 Honorarium: 

• Accepted participants will receive $350 per lesson plan, up to two lesson plans per educator.  

The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) seeks dynamic, thoughtful young leaders to serve on its Youth Advisory Council (YAC). At NWHM, we believe young adults bring critical perspectives that are essential to sustaining inclusive historical narratives, yet they are often underrepresented in institutional spaces. This year-long, paid leadership opportunity is designed to intentionally center young adult voices in the Museum’s programming and initiatives, recognizing their vital role in shaping the future of women’s history and museum education. Through the Youth Advisory Council, NWHM aims to strengthen its connection to emerging audiences by ensuring young adult perspectives inform the Museum’s digital-first approach. Council members will serve as ambassadors in their local communities, collaborate on program development, and contribute to initiatives that expand young adult engagement with women’s history at the forefront.

Additional Details

Ideal candidates are thoughtful, dependable, collaborative, and eager to bring new voice and ideas to the National Women’s History Museum. Council members will be tasked with participating in and co-leading in-person programming in their respective cities. Applicants must be 18–24 years in age and currently live, attend school, or work in Washington D.C.; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; or Dallas, TX.

The application cycle will close on April 15, 2026 at 11:59PM EST. Interviews will be extended after a review of applications and final decisions for the Council will be announced by May 1, 2026.

Position Overview

Responsibilities

Youth Advisory Council Members Will:

• Serve as ambassadors for NWHM within their local communities and cities. 
• Participate in virtual council meetings and collaborative working sessions throughout the year.
• Provide thoughtful feedback on Museum in-person and virtual programming, outreach strategies, and young adult engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate on the development of in-person and virtual programs that center women’s history and civic participation
• Contribute to and support a History By the Slice event during Civic Season (June 19–July 4) in their respective cities.
• Complete quarterly deliverables aligned with Council goals.
• Support outreach efforts to increase young adult participation in Museum initiatives.

Qualifications & Eligibility

Applicants Must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 24 at the time of application. 
• Currently live, work, or attend school in Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; or Dallas, TX. 
• Have reliable access to internet and technology for virtual participation. 
• Have access to transportation for in-person responsibilities in their city. 
• Be able to commit to the full term of service (May 1, 2026–May 1, 2027).

Stipend

Members of the Youth Advisory Council will receive a paid total stipend of $2,000, divided in four installments.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, we ask applicants to fill out the form and submit the following: 

• A resume/CV not exceeding 2 pages 
• A 500-word response to the following prompt: Address your potential to exceed expectations in the role of Youth Advisor to the National Women’s History Museum. Keep the following areas in mind in your response: (1) Alignment with the council mission, (2) Thoughtfulness and Reflection, (3) Creativity and Voice, (4) Strengths and Potential Contributions, and (5) Commitment and Care. We encourage responses to include references to academic performance, previous and/or current professional experience, and leadership/initiative demonstrated in the applicant’s community.