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.

Thank you for your interest. The application period for the 2023 NASM Summer Internship Program is now closed. Interns will be notified of their selection status by April 15, 2023.

Opportunities for the 2024 NASM Summer Internship Program will be posted no later than January 16, 2024. 

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
Dates: June 5 to August 11
Stipend: $6,000
Application Due Date: March 1, 2023
Questions? Email: nasm-internships@si.edu

Available Internships in 2023

This year we will be offering the following internships. View all internship project descriptions. 

In Person and Hybrid

  • Communications and Social Media
  • Communications/Marketing Internship at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
  • Digital Accessibility and Online Visitor Experience
  • Digital Engagement through Media Production in the Education Department 
  • Early Childhood School Programs
  • Explainers Program
  • Highlights Handouts for Visitors
  • Inclusive Tour Planning
  • Military Aviation Exhibits Content Development
  • SHE Can Aviation Camp Education 

Hybrid

  • AirSpace Public Program and Content Creation
  • Artifact 3D Model and Scanning Assistance
  • Astronomy Education
  • Exhibits Image and Video Archiving
  • Exhibits Writer-Editor 
  • Soar Together at Air and Space Family Programs
  • STEM Camp Education Interns – Springdale, Arkansas (5 weeks)
  • Teacher Professional Development Programs
  • Video Broadcast Systems 

View all internship project descriptions. 

How to Apply

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

    When does the internship program take place?
    The 2022 Summer Internship Program will run from June 5 to August 11, 2023. 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 $6,000 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! 

    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.