Cincinnati Museum Center celebrates Youth Programs seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Cody Hefner (513) 608-5777, chefner@cincymuseum.org

Cincinnati Museum Center celebrates nine graduating Youth Programs seniors

Youth development program welcomes 23 new students; continues track record of 100% high school graduation rate

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) celebrated nine graduating seniors from its Youth Programs. The youth development program, now in its 36th year, supports high school students as they participate in program development, content delivery, collections support and more throughout the museum while also receiving college readiness and career development coaching. As the program cheered on its seniors beginning their next chapters, Youth Programs welcomed 23 incoming youth volunteers. 

CMC’s Youth Programs began in 1989 with two student volunteers in the Museum of Natural History & Science. In the years since those original “Lab Rats,” Youth Programs boasts over 2,000 alumni and has become a premier youth development initiative. It enhances the creativity, confidence and success of its participants, which numbered more than 50 participants this past year.

“To me, Youth Programs means engagement, inspiration, diversity, service and empowerment, not just for the participants, but for our whole community,” said Calvin Harper, director of Cincinnati Museum Center’s Youth Programs. “What we learn here is invaluable. It impacts us as individuals and as a community, enriching our lives and helping us move forward toward success.”

Academic success is a cornerstone of the program, with 100% of participants graduating from high school. An outstanding 99% go on to enroll in a four-year college, with 80% receiving scholarships or financial aid, which CMC helps facilitate through financial aid workshops and scholarship fairs.

This past year, Youth Programs participants enjoyed trips to Washington, DC and Baltimore, exploring seven colleges and a variety of museums and landmarks. Locally, they visited the Johnson & Johnson MedTech Center where they received first-hand demonstrations of surgical innovations while speaking with biomedical engineers, designers and healthcare professionals.

“I’m so proud of the work our seniors have shared with us and can’t wait to see how they continue to make an impact,” said Elizabeth Pierce, president & CEO of Cincinnati Museum Center. “The talent and effort of our young leaders create transformational moments for our guests. Every year, I’m so impressed by the skill, perspective and friendships built in our Youth Programs.”

CMC and its Youth Programs wish the following seniors success as they begin the next step in their journeys:

• Mark Bronson (Walnut Hills High School) will be attending Spelman College to study Art History, Curatorial Studies and Education
• Jasper Chesak (Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students) will be attending George Washington University to study International Business
• Tamia Davis (Saint Ursula Academy) will be attending Salem University to study Business
• Nadia Love (Clark Montessori High School) will be attending the University of Cincinnati to study Environmental Science
• Enyonam Nevis (Colerain High School) will be attending The Ohio State University to study Civil Engineering
• Sam Rawsthorn (Homeschool) will be taking a gap year before attending The Ohio State University to study Business Management
• Drema Rivera (Oak Hills High School) will be taking a gap year before pursuing Cosmetology
• Bradley Smith (Skyward Academy) will be attending Great Oaks to study Plumbing
• Olivia Widener (Oak Hills High School) will be attending Miami University to study Psychology

CMC’s Youth Programs is financially supported by the Stillson Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee.