Our structured summer internship program provides firsthand experience working at a museum. It's a great introduction to museum work or an opportunity to expand on previous experience.
The 2021 summer internship program will be entirely virtual and will not require relocation to Washington, DC.
Each year, positions are available in areas such as aviation or space history, planetary science, exhibits, communications, museum management, and education. Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply.
During the 10-week program, each intern is assigned a supervisor and works on an internship project and other tasks. In addition to their projects, interns also meet virtually as a group for presentations, professional development opportunities, enrichment activities, and tours.
Fast Facts
Length: 10 weeks, full-time
2021 Dates: June 7 to August 13
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $5,500
2021 Application Due Date: March 1, 2021
Questions? Email: StaplesAn@si.edu
Available Internships in 2021
This year we will be offering the following internships. View all internship project descriptions.
- Aeronautics: New Military Aviation Exhibits Content Support
- Aeronautics: Research Assistant for the Flight and the Arts Center
- Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Runoff Production on Early Mars
- Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Searching for Wind-Formed Features on Mars
- Communications: Department Support
- Communications: Digital Experience
- Education: Development and Production of Videos (STEM in 30)
- Education: Development and Production of Videos (What's New Production)
- Education: Development and Production of Videos (Science Starters)
- Education: Public Programs
- Education: Soar Together @ Air and Space (Family Programs)
- Education: Video Broadcast Systems
- Education: Virtual Astronomy
- Exhibits: Development of Videos and Computer Interactives for New Exhibitions
- Exhibits: Visitor Testing
- Sally's Legacy: Engaging Girls and Women in STEM (Apply for this project through the American Women's History Initiative Internship Program; application for AWHI internship closes February 28)
- Space History: Hawaiian Astronomy and the Fight for Maunakea Oral history
- Space History: Latino and Afrofuturism
- Visitor Services
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through March 1. Interns will be notified of the status of their application by April.
The National Air and Space Museum Summer Internship Program application must be submitted via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). Complete applications must include:
- Resume
- A statement of purpose (500-1,000 words) indicating the type of internship you are interested in and how an internship will contribute to your education and career goals
- Unofficial transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
If you have questions about filling out the application, please see our SOLAA tips.
FAQs
Where does this internship take place?
The 2021 Summer Internship Program will be entirely virtual, so interns can participate from anywhere in the country. They will be expected to work hours conducive with a workplace on Eastern Standard Time.
When does the internship program take place?
The 2021 Summer Internship Program will run from June 7 to August 13, 2021. Interns work full-time, 40 hours a week for 10 weeks.
Are the dates flexible?
We are happy to work with you to figure out a start and end date that work with your existing commitments and school schedule. However, a commitment of 10 weeks during the summer is required.
Is there financial support for this internship?
We provide a $5,500 stipend to help interns defray expenses. This stipend is administered in intervals during the internship period.
Who can apply?
To be considered for the Summer Internship Program, you must be a high school graduate and be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree-granting undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university. You are expected to have a strong academic record. Applicants from outside the U.S. are welcome! More information for international interns is available on the intern orientation website.
What do I need to know to qualify for an internship?
Internships are opportunities to learn and grow your skills. While you don't necessarily need work experience related to the internship you plan to apply for, you are expected to have a base knowledge of or familiarity with the subject (e.g. exhibits design interns will be expected to have familiarity with programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop).
2015 intern Chris Reddersen assists in conservation of the Spirit of St. Louis.
Education Outreach interns Celeste Zabowski and Brendan Fay film for an episode of the webcast series “STEM in 30.”
2013 interns pose with NASA astronaut Thomas Marshburn.
2015 interns gather for a group photo at the Farewell Lunch.
Retired Rolls-Royce North America CEO and Chairman of the National Air and Space Museum Board Jim Guyette talks to the 2014 interns about success.
2014 Collections intern Melissa Miller works with a model aircraft at the Paul E. Garber Center.
2015 interns tour the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
