InternshipStipend

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) offers dynamic, paid internship opportunities for students and professionals to gain hands-on experience in various museum career fields, fostering future museum leaders.

Provider: National Museum of African American History and Culture (Smithsonian Institution)
Host country: United States
Deadline: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15
Region: Washington, D.C.

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Internships

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.
Funding: Stipend
Study level: Internship
Deadline: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15

Key eligibility criteria

Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.

Recorded funding information

Stipend

About the Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (2026)

## Overview The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), a vital part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, offers exceptional internship opportunities. These programs are meticulously designed to cultivate the next generation of museum leaders and advocates by providing invaluable hands-on experience across a diverse spectrum of museum career fields. The NMAAHC is committed to inclusivity, actively welcoming applicants from varied backgrounds, and proudly offers paid positions to support interns throughout their tenure. With application deadlines varying by term, prospective applicants are encouraged to plan their submissions strategically to maximize their chances of securing a coveted spot. ## Benefits Interns at the NMAAHC receive a stipend to help defray living expenses, with compensation up to $450 per week for part-time roles and up to $850 per week for full-time engagements. While housing is not provided, the stipend significantly eases the financial burden associated with living in Washington, D.C. Beyond monetary compensation, interns gain unparalleled access to museum professionals and scholars, engaging in meaningful workplace learning experiences. The program also includes professional development workshops, training sessions, tours, networking events, and social gatherings, all designed to enrich the intern’s experience and career prospects. ## Eligibility To be considered for an NMAAHC internship, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Academic Status:** Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of study, graduate students, or recent graduates within two years of graduation. * **Career Changers:** Individuals enrolled in a degree program who are transitioning careers. * **International Students:** Must be physically located within the continental United States. * **Alignment of Goals:** Applicants not enrolled in a formal education program must clearly demonstrate how the internship aligns with their academic or career aspirations. * **Prior Participation:** Individuals who have previously completed an NMAAHC internship or fellowship are not eligible to apply again. * **Preferred Skills:** While varying by position, desirable skills often include research, writing, strong communication, digital proficiency, and a genuine interest in African American history and culture. ## Required documents Applicants are required to prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their application: * **Resume/CV:** A detailed overview of your academic and professional background. * **Academic Transcripts:** Official or unofficial transcripts are accepted. * **Personal Essay:** A statement outlining your motivations for applying and how the internship aligns with your career goals. * **Letters of Reference:** Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and professional potential. ## Application steps The application process for the NMAAHC Internship Program is structured to ensure a thorough review of all candidates: 1. **Prepare Materials:** Gather all required documents, including your resume, academic transcripts, personal essay, and secure two letters of reference. 2. **Online Submission:** Complete and submit your application through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). 3. **Select Internships:** Within your application, specify up to two particular internships that align with your interests and qualifications. 4. **Meet Deadlines:** Ensure all application materials, including the letters of reference, are submitted by the stated deadline for your desired term. 5. **Await Notification:** Applicants typically receive notification regarding their application status approximately 3–4 weeks after the submission deadline. 6. **Background Investigation:** Successful candidates will be required to complete a background investigation prior to the official commencement of their internship. ## Key dates The application deadlines for the NMAAHC internships vary by term: * **Spring Internships:** October 15 of the preceding year. * **Summer Internships:** February 15 of the same year. * **Fall Internships:** June 15 of the same year. ## Selection criteria While specific selection criteria may vary by department and the nature of the internship, general considerations include: * **Academic Achievement:** Demonstrated success in academic pursuits as evidenced by transcripts. * **Relevant Experience:** Prior experience, whether academic, volunteer, or professional, that aligns with the chosen internship field. * **Enthusiasm and Interest:** A clear passion for African American history and culture and a strong desire to contribute to the museum’s mission. * **Essay Quality:** A well-articulated personal essay that highlights career aspirations and the fit with the NMAAHC's goals. * **References:** Strong letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and potential. * **Skills Match:** Possession of the preferred skills relevant to the specific internship position, such as research, writing, communication, or digital proficiency. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline, especially for securing letters of recommendation. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your resume, essay, and internship selections to specifically address the requirements and interests of the NMAAHC and the particular departments you are applying to. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all application materials are free from errors and professionally presented. * **Highlight Passion:** Clearly articulate your interest in African American history and culture and how this internship will contribute to your personal and professional growth. * **Check Official Source:** Always refer to the official NMAAHC internship page for the most current information and any updates to the program or application process. ## Official source For comprehensive details and to access the application portal, please visit the official National Museum of African American History and Culture internships page: * [NMAAHC Internships and Fellowships](https://nmaahc.si.edu/connect/internships-fellowships/internships)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Stipend

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://nmaahc.si.edu/connect/internships-fellowships/internships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15
Provider deadline information: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture?+

Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.

What funding does the Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offer?+

Listed funding: Stipend. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://nmaahc.si.edu/connect/internships-fellowships/internships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Undergraduate students (must have completed at least one year of study), graduate students, recent graduates (up to two years out of school), career changers enrolled in a degree program, and international students within the continental US. Prior NMAAHC interns/fellows are ineligible.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Spring: October 15; Summer: February 15; Fall: June 15. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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