The DocentTeens Program teaches inner-city Boston-area teens about contemporary art and trains them to lead tours at The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Teens from economically disadvantaged communities work with artists, curators, educators and other ICA staff to conduct research on ICA exhibitions, assist in the development of a curriculum for each exhibition, participate in art projects and visit artistsĖ studios and other cultural institutions. During ICA exhibitions, DocentTeens offers tours on weekends and by appointment on Thursday evenings. In addition, the group critically examines exhibitions and performances at other cultural institutions. Teens work 6 1/2 hours per week and receive a stipend of $5-$6 an hour, based on their progress in the DocentTeens Program. The Program helps teens explore higher education opportunities and provides scholarships to Program alumni. The DocentTeens Program was the inspiration for the CityACCESS/ Teen Ambassador Program, which encourages similar youth programs at four other cultural institutions in Boston. Since the DocentTeens ProgramĖs inception, participants have improved their written and oral communication skills and their academic skills and developed greater confidence in themselves. Participants are required to maintain satisfactory school grades.