Taubman Museum's Four-Year School Partnership Model

The Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, has operated a Museum Studies programme since 2009, embedding high school students into the museum for one month each school year. The programme, presented at the Museums & Schools Summit 2026 by Deputy Director Katrina King-Singh, art teacher Natalie Strum, and museum educator Mary Novick, serves grades 9-12 and is integrated into the school day with public bus transport. It started with seven students and now receives about 100 applicants for 25 spots annually. Students interact with staff across departments—curators, security, registrars, finance—gaining exposure to diverse museum roles. The curriculum deepens over four years, from introductory exploration to senior-year problem-solving and art history research. Funding comes from Roanoke County Administration grants. Notable outcomes include a collaborative mural still displayed publicly and alumni becoming museum patrons, advocates, or staff. The programme aims to inspire replication at other institutions.