The Leadership for Change internship is part of the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative and is supported in part by the Emerson Collective and Do A Little Foundation. We recruit young leaders who are motivated to support their communities and advance social justice. The program provides a cohort of interns with meaningful and enriching experiences and programming to strengthen their understanding and commitment to social justice and leadership, in addition to the hands-on learning experiences at their host organizations. In 2023, the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative cohort will include students interning at the Smithsonian Institution and its Affiliates, the Emerson Collective, and the George Washington University. Students will be brought together for shared virtual programming, as well as in-person and online experiences, events, and dialogues. When young leaders come together with a diversity of experiences and talents, they expand their networks, exchange ideas, and take action to affect positive change in our communities.

This is a paid internship. The in-person internship provides an opportunity for students to use their interest and skills in social justice to support museums and cultural organizations in affecting change in our communities. Interns will become museum advocates and explore new ways to bring museum content, resources, and expertise to communities near and far. This internship is located in Washington, D.C., at the Smithsonian Institution. The relationships built through this experience will endure long past a single summer as students explore career pathways, apply academic knowledge to world issues, and make connections with both peers and mentors.

Interns will spend 8 weeks in-person at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. This internship is a hands-on, in-person learning experience not to exceed 32 hours of work per week. Interns are required to work on site at a Smithsonian location at least 3 full days per week

*Interns will be matched with a pre-selected group of Smithsonian museums, offices, centers, libraries, or programs; not all Smithsonian museums are participating in this internship.

Projects will vary based on location and may include opportunities in:

·        Digital engagement

·        Educational equity and accessibility

·        Communications

·        International relations

·        Exhibition development

·        National and community outreach

·        Museum advocacy

All projects will focus on one or more of 4 core topic areas—Women’s History, Climate Change, Race and Social Justice, and the Changing American Narrative (including rural initiatives, immigration, education, civics, democracy, and other topics).

·        Students must be rising college sophomores, juniors, or seniors to qualify for this internship.

·        International students within the continental U.S. may apply

·        You DO NOT need experience or a major in arts, art, or museum administration. This opportunity is open to any student regardless of major who has a passion for social justice and education

·        This is a paid internship. Interns will receive $4,800 stipend, plus travel. Travel funds will be determined based on the student’s originating location to Washington, D.C.

·        Housing will be provided at Shenkman Hall at the George Washington University. Students opting to take advantage of the housing benefit must agree to follow all rules and regulations set forth by GW Summer Housing.  

·        Selected students must pass a background investigation if placed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

·        The Smithsonian Institution may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

To apply for this internship, you will need to apply through the Emerson Collective Youth Collaborative application portal: https://affiliations.si.edu/internship-opportunities/ All required components of the application must be submitted on time for your application to be considered complete. There will be no extensions; be sure to allow for enough time to double check your application to ensure that it is correct and complete. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FEBRUARY 27, 2023.