Deadline: February 12, 2026
The Smithsonian Women’s History Internship Program 2026 is a prestigious, fully paid summer internship designed to support emerging professionals interested in women’s history, museum work, public engagement, communications, and administration. Hosted by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in Washington, DC, the programme provides hands-on experience while contributing to the documentation and advancement of women’s stories in American history.
The Smithsonian Women’s History Internship Program 2026 offers participants the opportunity to work closely with museum professionals, develop practical skills, and engage meaningfully in projects that shape how women’s history is researched, interpreted, and shared with the public.
About the Internship Programme
This internship is organised by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and runs as a full-time, in-person summer programme. Interns will support key institutional projects while gaining exposure to museum operations, digital engagement, communications, and development work.
The programme is designed to foster professional growth, mentorship, and experiential learning in a globally respected cultural institution.
Internship Duration and Schedule
- Programme duration: 8 weeks
- Start date: 8 June 2026
- End date: 7 August 2026
- Location: Washington, DC (in-person)
Internship Tracks and Focus Areas
For the 2026 cycle, four interns will be selected and placed across the following project areas:
1. Advancement Operations
Interns will support operational activities related to donor engagement, event planning, and institutional development. This track provides exposure to fundraising operations and nonprofit advancement strategies.
2. Communications – “Beyond Notable”
This track focuses on research, storytelling, and digital communications aimed at making women’s history more accessible to the public. Interns will assist in developing online content and narrative-driven materials.
3. Digital Community Engagement
Interns will help design and support digital programmes that connect audiences with women’s history through innovative and interactive engagement strategies.
4. Museum Administration
This placement offers insight into museum planning, compliance, internal processes, and organisational management within a national cultural institution.
Financial Benefits
- Stipend: USD 1,200 per week
- Travel support: Reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, DC
Please note that interns are responsible for securing and funding their own accommodation during the programme period.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a current U.S. college student or a recent graduate (within 12 months of June 2026)
- Be enrolled in or recently graduated from a community college or four-year institution
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Demonstrate interest in women’s history, museums, communications, administration, or digital engagement
The programme strongly encourages applications from individuals of diverse academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
Application Timeline and Process
- Application opens: 12 January 2026
- Application deadline: 12 February 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Applications may close earlier once 200 submissions are received.
All applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian’s official online application system (SOLAA). Early application is strongly recommended due to the submission cap.
Why Apply?
Participants in the Smithsonian Women’s History Internship Program 2026 will:
- Gain real-world experience in a leading global museum institution
- Build professional networks with Smithsonian staff and peers
- Strengthen research, communication, digital, and administrative skills
- Contribute to nationally significant women’s history initiatives
Support with Proposal Drafting and Review
Need help with application proposal drafting, refining, or review?
Contact us for professional support to strengthen your internship application and improve your chances of success.
