Fellowships are awarded through a competitive process via electronic submission (See Preparing to Apply Online http://www.si.edu/ofg/Applications/SIFELL/SIFELLappOnline.htm).  The deadline for the next application cycle is February 15, 2013, for fellowships beginning after October 15, 2013 (The 2014 cycle). The online application system will accept applications beginning December 15, 2012. To submit your proposal, please set-up a user ID in our online application system, SOLAA at: https://solaa.si.edu. Select Fellowships and “SCEMS Fellowships in Museum Practice”. There, you will be able to upload all relevant materials and requirements. In the program options section, select Year as 2014 (even if you plan to begin during 2013). 

Residency arrangements are flexible. Individual schedules are structured to meet a fellow's employment situation and research objectives. Some people divide their time in Washington into two or more segments.

Fellows are expected to produce a document reflecting their work during the fellowship and to participate in forum discussions. Dissemination can be through a variety of formats such as journal articles, books, lectures, case studies, instructional materials, literature reviews, and web sites. (See Program Alumni and Research Reports http://museumstudies.si.edu/fmp_alumni.htm).  Acknowledgement of the role of the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies in contributing to the resulting documentation is requested. A brief report describing the fellowship experience and its outcomes is due within six months after completing the fellowship.

1—2 fellowships are awarded annually for a period of up to 6 months. An award consists of a stipend of $3,500 per month plus round-trip travel expenses between the recipient's home and Washington, D.C.  A fellow must be in residence at the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies (SCEMS) office in Washington, DC for the majority of the fellowship period. SCEMS reserves the right to not award a fellowship in a year if the reviewers decide that none of the applications is suitable.

The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies (SCEMS) provides office space, advisory services and access to Smithsonian facilities, resources, staff and reference collections as well as informal forums in which to present work-in-progress.

The program is open to mid- and senior-level museum personnel, researchers and training providers. 

To be considered for funding, applicants must be employed by a not-for-profit (50l-C-3) cultural or educational institution that deals directly with the public, or be an independent scholar.  People who work in libraries and schools as well as museums and cultural centers have received fellowships.  International participation is welcome.  Participants must be fluent in spoken and written English. 

What to have gathered before begin your application:

1. Title of the study
2. Discussion of the topic to be investigated including the thesis statement and key issues
3. Description of the nature and scope of the topic relative to the needs of museums and cultural institutions and an explanation of how this proposal will add knowledge to the topic
4. Plan of action including a description of the research methodology to be used and a list of preliminary questions to be explored
5. Review of existing literature specific to the study
6. Description of the format for disseminating the research and the rationale for the choice
7. Resume / curriculum vitae, not to exceed two pages
8. The names and email addresses of two referees who will submit confidential letters of reference on your behalf

Applications are evaluated by an external committee of museum professionals on the following factors:

- The range and depth of the applicant’s knowledge and experience about the topic
- Evidence of the applicant's ability to produce quality work
- Rationale and coherence of the proposed plan of action
- Extent to which research on the topic would contribute to improved museum practices or impact institutional decisions
- Extent to which access to resources at the Smithsonian and in Washington, D.C. are needed to produce the product
- Degree to which the proposal advances the fellowship program’s goals and the priorities of the Smithsonian Institution

Ms. Tracie Sam Spinale
Program Manager
Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies
Smithsonian Institution
tspinale@si.edu