Background and Purpose
The Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship Program is a need-based program supporting internships for undergraduates in research and collections projects at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The program is generously funded by the Katzenberger Foundation and administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. 6 internships are offered each summer and are all located in Washington, DC, at the Smithsonian’s art museums and archives.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Must be formally enrolled in an undergraduate program of study with academic standing as a junior or senior, or have completed their degree within the past six months.
- Must be declared as an art history major, concentration, or related discipline.
- Students are generally expected to have an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or its equivalent.
- Qualify for financial need. The aim of this program is to provide an opportunity for high achieving students with financial challenges to participate in a significant internship experience. Applicants must be eligible to receive federal student aid (i.e. Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, etc…).
How to Apply
Use the SOLAA System to Apply Online: https://solaa.si.edu(link is external)
- Register for SOLAA
- Select “Internship”
- Select “Office of Internships”
- Select “Smithsonian Katzenberger Art History Internship Program”
- Apply for 2023
ALL documents must be received no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Time March 6, 2023.
Files you will need to upload:
Essay
- 2 pages double spaced
- 12 point type
- Must address the following:
1) Your past and present academic history and other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship
2) What you hope to accomplish through an internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals
3) What about the Smithsonian in particular interests you and leads you to apply for an internship – particularly the project you have chosen
Transcripts (or other materials when transcripts are not issued) from all appropriate institutions are required. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If transcripts or other materials are not in English the applicant should provide translations.
Resume
References
- Names and email addresses of two academic references
- All reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been waived by the reference
- Through SOLAA you will send an email to these referees so they can provide references through the web
- Have the reference submit in sufficient time to meet the application deadline
Selection Criteria
- Substantial course work in Art History or related museum disciplines.
- Demonstrated interest or experiences in museums, galleries, libraries, or archives.
- Demonstrated research and writing skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of computer programs.
- The relevance of an internship at the Smithsonian to the student’s academic and career goals will be an important part of the evaluation of an applicant.
- Applicants should note that it is not possible for the Office of Fellowships and Internships to arrange an internship project or award a stipend to all qualified candidates.
- The Smithsonian does not discriminate on grounds of race, creed, sex, age, marital status, condition of handicap, or national origin of any applicant.