Paid Smithsonian Internship 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Housing Provided)

Applications are now open for the Smithsonian Latino Museum Futures Internship 2026 in Washington, D.C.. This is a paid internship opportunity hosted by the Smithsonian Institution through the National Museum of the American Latino.

The internship is designed for students and recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in museums, cultural heritage, public history, and the humanities. Participants will gain practical experience working alongside professionals while contributing to museum projects, research, and exhibitions.

Selected interns will receive shared housing in Washington, D.C. and a $550 weekly stipend to support transportation and meals during the program. (Career Services | UNLV)

Below are the full details of the internship program.

Internship Details

Host Organization: Smithsonian Institution
Program: Latino Museum Futures Internship (LMFI)
Location: Washington, D.C., United States
Program Duration: Approximately 12 Weeks
Program Dates: August – November 2026
Application Deadline: April 2026

The program is an immersive experience that prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions.

Internship Areas

During the internship, participants may work on projects in fields such as:

Museum curation
Collections management
Exhibition design and production
Museum education and interpretation
Digital humanities and technology in museums
Museum conservation

Interns also participate in a seminar series and professional development sessions to learn about museum careers and best practices in the field. (Career Services | UNLV)

Financial Benefits

The internship provides financial and logistical support to selected participants, including:

$550 weekly stipend
Shared housing in Washington, D.C. for the entire program
Round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. (for eligible participants within the U.S.) (Career Services | UNLV)

These benefits allow interns to focus on gaining professional experience without worrying about accommodation during the internship.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Smithsonian Latino Museum Futures Internship, applicants must:

Be undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates
Have an interest in museum studies, history, cultural heritage, or related fields
Be motivated to pursue a career in museums or cultural institutions
Be able to participate in the full 12-week internship in Washington, D.C.

The program is open to individuals of all backgrounds who are passionate about preserving and promoting cultural history.

Internship Dates

The Fall 2026 cohort is expected to run from August to November 2026, providing students with a semester-long professional experience in one of the world’s most respected museum institutions. (National Museum of the American Latino)

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit an online application through the official program website.

Applicants should prepare the following documents: