To honor the achievements of DC Public high school graduate and Smithsonian Regent, Robert P. Kogod, the Smithsonian is accepting applications for an internship program named in his honor. This internship is for District of Columbia public high school students entering their junior or senior year or finishing their senior year. The internship is awarded to a student interested in the arts. Awarded students spend eight (8) weeks with their mentors in and around the Smithsonian facilities in the Washington DC area. This internship is made possible through a generous gift from Smithsonian Regent, David Rubenstein.
Background
This internship program was established to honor the achievements of Robert P. Kogod.
Robert P. Kogod was born in Washington, DC. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School where he enjoyed playing football and tennis. Kogod began his career in homebuilding in the 1950s. In 1959, he joined the Charles E. Smith Companies, then an office of 11 people. As co-CEOs, Kogod and his brother-in-law, Bob Smith, grew the business to several thousand employees. It became one of the largest commercial, residential, and mixed-use companies in the metropolitan Washington, DC area with the notable development of Crystal City in Arlington, VA.
In 1969, a friend sent Kogod a brochure about the Richard Estes’ show at the Allan Stone Gallery in New York City. Mr. Kogod and his wife, Arlene, visited the gallery and soon after also viewed the Henry Geldzahler retrospective “New York Painting and Sculpture 1940-1970” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These visits were the pivotal moments that began the Kogod’s life-enriching passion for learning about and collecting fine art. Mr. Kogod earned a B.S. in Business Administration (1962) and a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from American University (2000).
In addition to being a Smithsonian Regent, Kogod is the President of Charles E. Smith Management, LLC which merged with Archstone-Smith, Vornado Realty Trust and JBG Smith Properties. He has served on the boards of American University, Sidwell Friends School, Federal City Council, Economic Club, Progressive Policy Institute, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Children’s Hospital & National Medical Center, WETA and the Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve. He and his wife are involved in many philanthropic activities. They are major supporters of the fine & performing arts, medical research, healthcare and education. In addition, the Kogods are signatories of The Giving Pledge.
Purpose
This mentor-guided learning experience allows interns to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding of the arts in the dynamic atmosphere of the world’s largest museum complex. Interns gain practical skills and program development experience in offices, museums, and research facilities throughout the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. To further enrich their mentor guided learning experiences, interns also attend meetings, lectures, and public programs during their tenure.
Eligibility
This internship is for District of Columbia public high school students ONLY entering their junior or senior year or finishing their senior year Awarded students spend eight (8) weeks during the summer with their mentors in and around the Smithsonian facilities in the Washington DC area. The intern will receive a stipend of $5,200.
How it Works
There is one full-time internships awarded to a student interested in the arts. Awarded students spend eight (8) weeks during the summer with their mentors in and around the Smithsonian facilities in the Washington DC area. The intern will receive a stipend of $5,200.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted in the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
Steps to Apply:
- Create an Account or Log In to SOLAA
- Click “Start Your Application”
- Use the dropdown menu to search for programs
- Program Type: Internship
- Office/Museum/Research Center: Office of Fellowships should be changing to OIP soon
- Program Status: Currently Active
- Scroll down and look for The Shirley Ann Jackson Science Internship
- Click “Apply Now”
Files you will need to upload for your application
- Transcripts (unofficial OK)
- Essay:
No more than 2 pages double spaced using 12 point type
Please address the following in your essay:
1) Your academic history and any other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship focusing on the arts
2) What you hope to accomplish through this internship, and how it would relate to your academic and career goals
3) Review the Smithsonian web site or visit our museums to find out what in particular about the Smithsonian interests you and leads you to apply for an internship here
- References
Names and email addresses of two teachers who have agreed to serve as a reference for you
Please note: Through SOLAA you will send an email to these referees so they can provide references through the web. Please encourage your references to submit by the application deadline. Reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been waived by the reference
- Resume (optional)
Selection Criteria
The Smithsonian anticipates a large number of applications which will be reviewed by a committee of Smithsonian and education experts. Selections are based on the following criteria:
- Academic effort and/or achievement
- Academic and career goals and how they are relevant to Smithsonian collections and expertise related to the arts or science
- MUST attend a District of Columbia High School