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Leadership for Change Internship

Hybrid Opportunity
An Innovative Collaboration Driven by a Shared Belief in the Power of Young People to Lead

About Us
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Smithsonian Affiliations is committed to helping people across the globe understand the complexity and the nuances of our world by collaborating with a network of mission-aligned Affiliate organizations in this critical work.

The Leadership for Change internship is part of the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative and is supported in part by the Emerson Collective and Do A Little Foundation. We recruit young leaders who are motivated to support their communities and advance social justice. The program provides a cohort of interns with meaningful and enriching experiences and programming to strengthen their understanding and commitment to social justice and leadership, in addition to the hands-on learning experiences at their host organizations. In 2023, the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative cohort will include students interning at the Smithsonian Institution and its Affiliates, the Emerson Collective, and the George Washington University. Students will be brought together for shared virtual programming, as well as in-person and online experiences, events, and dialogues. When young leaders come together with a diversity of experiences and talents, they expand their networks, exchange ideas, and take action to affect positive change in our communities.


Internship Opportunity

This is a paid internship. A hybrid internship provides an opportunity for students to use their interests and skills in social justice to support museums and cultural organizations in affecting change in our communities. Interns will become museum advocates and explore new ways to bring museum content, resources, and expertise to communities near and far. This internship offers the greatest flexibility for caregivers, students who want to stay local, or those who are also working during the summer and would like to still have an internship opportunity. The relationships built through this experience will endure long past a single summer as students explore career pathways, apply academic knowledge to world issues, and make connections with both peers and mentors.

Interns will spend 3 weeks in person at an Affiliate organization* and 5 weeks working virtually at their home location. This internship is a hybrid learning experience not to exceed 32 hours of work per week. *Pre-selected Affiliate cities will be posted on the Smithsonian Affiliations website; not all Smithsonian Affiliates are participating in this internship.
 
Once an intern is selected, interns and Affiliate supervisors will work together to determine the best 3 weeks to schedule the on-site portion of the hybrid internship. It is encouraged to schedule the on-site experience at the beginning of the internship.


Project Focus

Projects will vary based on location and may include opportunities in:
  • Digital engagement
  • Educational equity and accessibility
  • Communications
  • International relations
  • Exhibition development
  • National and community outreach
  • Museum advocacy

All projects will focus on one or more of 4 core topic areas—Women’s History, Climate Change, Race and Social Justice, and the Changing American Narrative (including rural initiatives, immigration, education, civics, democracy, and other topics).


Qualifications

·        Students must be rising college sophomores, juniors, or seniors to qualify for this internship.
·        International students within the continental U.S. may apply
·        You DO NOT need experience or a major in arts, art, or museum administration. This opportunity is open to any student regardless of major who has a passion for social justice and education


Additional Information

·        This is a paid internship. Interns will receive a $4,800 stipend, plus travel. Travel funds will be determined based on the student’s originating location, commuting distance, and if housing is required.
·        The Smithsonian Institution and its Affiliates may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
·        Housing accommodations will be handled by the student with assistance from the Affiliate location. Smithsonian Affiliations will provide a modest travel allowance for those students who must travel more than an average commuting distance from the Affiliate (30 minutes or more).


How to Apply

To apply for this internship, you will need to apply through the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative application portal. All required components of the application must be submitted on time for your application to be considered "complete." There will be no extensions; be sure to allow for enough time to double-check your application to ensure that it is correct and complete. The application deadline is February 27, 2023.

Questions?

Email SAinternships@si.edu with any questions.