James E. Webb Internship
for Minority Undergraduate Juniors and Graduate Students in Business and Public Administration
This program was established in honor of the late James. E. Webb, Regent Emeritus and former Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to promote excellence in the management of not-for-profit organizations.
Purpose
These opportunities are intended to increase participation of minority groups who are under-represented in the management of scientific and cultural organizations. Interns are placed in offices, museums, and research institutes throughout the Smithsonian Institution.
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizens and U.S. permanent residents
- Must be formally enrolled in an undergraduate or in a graduate program of study in business or public administration
- Students are generally expected to have an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or its equivalent.
How it Works
Stipend: $600 per week, with possible travel allowance
All Sessions = 10 weeks, full time (40 hours per week)
- Deadline: February 1
- For Summer (beginning after June 1) and Fall (beginning after October 1)
- Deadline: October 1
- For Spring (beginning after January 1)
Projects are available as well as other options.
How to Apply
Applications must be received via SOLAA.
Once you have created an account and logged into SOLAA you will need to complete all the required information including:
- Mailing address
- Academic history
- Current university or college
Project Selection:
Please indicate the project for which you are applying. Projects and descriptions can be found here.
Files you will need to upload:
Essay
- 2 – 4 pages double spaced
- 12 point type
- Must address the following:
1) What are your career goals and interests?
2) How do you see an internship at the Smithsonian relating to your career goals?
3) Your past and present academic history and other experiences which you feel have prepared you for an internship in business or public administration.
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
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.
FAQ
If you have any questions please contact Pamela Hudson Veenbaas at 202-633-7070 or send an email to siofi@si.edu.