The mission of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies (SCEMS) is to interpret the collective knowledge of the Smithsonian and serve as a gateway to the Institution's education resources. Through research, publishing, and staff development programs for the education and museum communities, the Center promotes the understanding and use of museums.
As the central office of education, The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies (SCEMS) is well-positioned to give interns a broad overview of the Smithsonian Institution, introductions to the wide variety of work that museum and education professionals here are involved in, and an opportunity to participate in a deeper level with special projects. (If you are interested in interacting with students and the public in a daily museum-setting, you should consider applying directly to an education internship at one of the museums.)
We are located in Washington, D.C. and are metro-accessible. Our internships are unpaid, but we will work with your school if you’d like to receive credit.
Our highly competitive program has the following openings:
(2013) SUMMER - Education Program
Intern assists to plan and implement education projects within SCEMS for programs across the entire Smithsonian Institution AND online. Assist with different phases of education projects – conceptualization, information gathering, implementation, and reporting; Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with teaching experience and interest in online program delivery. 3 days per week or 20 + hours; Flexible schedule, but at least a 3 month commitment to the project.
(2013) SUMMER - Evaluation Research and Audience Development
Intern implements evaluation projects for education programs across the entire Smithsonian Institution. Assist with different phases of evaluation projects – conceptualization, collection and analysis of data, & report results to different audiences; Statistical analysis and collection and analysis of qualitative data (focus groups and in-depth interviews). Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with experience and interest in museum and program evaluation. Evaluation, anthropology or sociology background. At least 3 days per week or 20 + hours. Flexible schedule, but at least a 3 month commitment to the project.
(2013) SUMMER - Intellectual Disability Camp Program
Intern assists to plan and implement a digital arts 2 week summer program, “Access to Opportunities” for teens with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Assist with different phases of the project –planning, information distribution, implementation, and reporting; Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with special education experience (Autism spectrum, Down’s syndrome, etc…); Prefer 1 day per week or 8 + hours in June/July (prior to the program) and 20 hours per week during the camp program (tentatively scheduled for August 5-16, 2013.)
Eligibility
Our internships emphasize learning and mentorship, and are designed for college upper-level undergraduate and graduate students.
Security
All interns are required to undergo a security background investigation and fingerprinting through the Office of Protection Services before they are accepted into the program.
How to Apply
Please apply using the Smithsonian online application system https://solaa.si.edu. Paper applications will not be considered.
Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:
- Resume
- Academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
- Essay to tell us how the internship will advance your academic and career goals
- 2 letters of reference either uploaded by you or by your reference (or a combination)
Essential Tips for the Online Application: We’re Paperless!
• Do NOT click submit on your application until all necessary components are uploaded (i.e. transcripts, essay, resume). Once submitted, you cannot upload or change anything within the application. You can however, save and return to your application during the process of applying, before submitting.
• An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the document and saving it as a .pdf or .jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript separately.
• In the Reference Letter section, make sure that you click the “send email” button, and that you enter your reference’s e-mail address correctly. This triggers the system to email your referees with instructions for uploading the reference letter. Please advise your reference of this in advance.
Deadlines are rolling, however we begin an internal review of applications for positions after the following dates:
• Spring (January – May) October 15th
• Summer (June – August) February 1st
• Fall (September – December) July 15th
Questions
If you have any questions about the application process or SCEMS’ internships, please send inquiries to tspinale@si.edu. If you have questions concerning the SOLAA application, please go to the Help section on the SOLAA website. You will be able to check your application status online. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted, generally within 3-4 of the posted deadline.
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