Explainers at the National Air and Space Museum inspire life-long learning by connecting visitors to our iconic artifacts and to stories about the science and technology that make innovation possible. 

The Explainers Program hires high school and college students to help visitors better understand the Museum’s artifacts and exhibitions through interactive demonstrations and hands-on programming.

Explainers work onsite at either the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC or at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. 
 

Explainer Duties

Explainers engage visitors with hands-on activity carts and interactive demonstrations on topics such as the forces of flight and humans in orbit. Our portfolio of Explainer programming includes facilitated solar observing and stargazing; drop-in design challenges; and simulators that teach people how to land a space shuttle or show them how a space shuttle toilet works. 

Explainers are scheduled to work at the Museum in downtown Washington, DC seven days a week and at the Udvar-Hazy Center weekends and holidays. Hours at each location are flexible according to your academic schedule.
 

Requirements

To be an Explainer, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Currently be enrolled in a diploma or degree granting program
  • Maintain a 2.7 GPA
  • Be available to work onsite, monthly for a one-year probationary training period
  • Maintain active status by working at least 15 hours per month
  • Be adept interacting with diverse groups of people
  • Have good written and oral communication skills
  • Be willing to attend ongoing training and conduct self-study in general scientific principles related to aeronautics and space science

Application Procedure

To be considered for a position as an Explainer, you must submit the following items:

  • A one- to two page cover letter or statement of purpose— How can you contribute to the program and how would this job assist you in your career and/or educational goals?
  • A current resume
  • A high school or college transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted)
  • Two letters of recommendation

Please Note: Incomplete application packages will not be processed or considered.

To be an Explainer you must be a United States citizen with a photo ID, a naturalized citizen with proper documentation, or a non-citizen with proper INS authorization to work in the United States.

 

Applicant and Interview Schedule

The Explainers Program is temporarily not accepting applications. 

If you are interested in applying to the program, please send us an email. We will notify you when applications will open again. 

The Explainers Program is made possible by the generous support of RTX .