Teen Leadership Collective: Family/Guardian Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
What is the Teen Leadership Collective?
The National Gallery of Art's Teen Leadership Collective (TLC) is a semester-long paid opportunity designed to engage local teenagers in community building, career development, and creative skill building. It offers opportunities to explore art, foster creativity, support mental health and social/emotional learning, and engage with social justice topics. Teens will meet primarily off-site, where they will work collaboratively to design and host a public event focused on a social issue. Participants will gain hands-on experience in research, public speaking, problem solving, critical thinking, and event planning—all while connecting with local artists and learning about DC’s broader creative sector.
Program Schedule and Commitment
What are the start and end dates of the program?
January 11, 2025, through May 31, 2025. There will not be a session on January 18, 2025.
What days of the week does the program meet, and for how long?
We will be meeting on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes! We ask participants to attend all sessions so they get the most out of the program and support the group’s goals. We also understand that unexpected things come up, and participants may miss up to two sessions without affecting their place in the program. If a participant misses more than two sessions, we’ll meet with the participant and a guardian to decide the best way forward.
Are there any other days or special circumstances I should be aware of?
Yes—a culminating event will be held the week of May 11, 2025. The exact date is yet to be determined.
There will be visits to local sites scheduled as part of our regular Saturday sessions.
Program Activities
What types of activities will teens be doing during the program?
Participants’ main goal will be to design and host a public event focusing on a social topic, allowing them to express their creativity and leadership. As they work toward this goal, teens will be engaging in workshops geared toward mindfulness, career development, community building, discussing the role of art in society, and connecting with local artists.
Will lunch be provided?
Yes, lunch will be provided during the program. After participants are selected, we’ll reach out to gather any food allergy information.
Supervision
How is the program supervised? Who are the instructors and staff?
The program will be facilitated by trained National Gallery staff and educators, along with a group of local teaching artists and creatives. If your teen is selected, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the National Gallery team during the orientation session.
Transportation and Location
Is transportation provided? If not, what transportation options are available?
We are offering SmarTrip cards for public transportation. The Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Silver, and Yellow lines are within walking distance, and there are many bus routes nearby. For any trips taken off-site, participants will either be able to ride in a National Gallery van from our meeting point with the rest of the group or meet us directly at the site. Based on our Protection of Minors policy, National Gallery staff members are not permitted to offer minors a ride in a personal vehicle.
Code of Conduct
What are the behavior expectations for participants?
Key expectations we have set—for participants and ourselves—are 1) respect, 2) communication, and 3) integrity. By committing to these values, we aim to create a positive, supportive environment where every voice is heard and respected.
Respect means valuing ourselves, our peers, and the spaces we occupy. This includes treating each other with kindness, appreciating diverse perspectives, and honoring the communities we engage with during the program.
Communication is essential for avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that we work effectively as a team. Open, honest, and timely communication helps us address any concerns or issues before they become bigger problems.
Integrity means that we hold ourselves accountable and act with honesty and fairness in all aspects of the program. We show up fully, take responsibility for our actions, and always strive to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
What happens if my teen violates the program's rules or guidelines?
If this were to happen, we would need to have a conversation between the teen and their guardian.
Parent/Guardian Involvement
Are there opportunities for me to participate or attend any events?
An orientation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Parents/guardians are invited for the first hour to meet staff and discuss the program. Teens will also join at 11:00 a.m. but stay for the full session.
Benefits for Teens
What skills and experiences will teens gain from the program?
Teens will gain skills such as research, public speaking, problem solving, critical thinking, and event planning, along with building a network of professionals whom they can reach out to even after the program has concluded.
Are there opportunities for mentorship or networking?
Absolutely! Teens will be interacting with National Gallery staff and teaching artists from the community. We also encourage teens to inform us about any additional support that they would like.
Special Needs and Accommodations
What accommodations are available for teens with special needs or disabilities?
We are committed to accessibility and inclusion. Our meeting site offers a wheelchair-accessible ramp, an elevator for full access, and gender-neutral and single-stall restrooms. If your teen requires additional accommodations, please email [email protected] so we can ensure their needs are met.
Contact Information
Who can I contact for more information or with specific questions?
Contact our team via email at [email protected].
How will communication between parents, National Gallery staff, and teens be handled?
Any emails between National Gallery staff and teens will have parents/guardians copied.
Any direct text message and phone calls to teens about the program will also include a second program staff member (i.e., if the teen is running late, having difficulty finding the rest of the group, etc.).
Parents/guardians will receive a biweekly newsletter by email to inform them of activities, upcoming events, and important program announcements.