Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship

Established in 1997, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) has amplified Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voices across the Smithsonian for nearly three decades, bringing untold stories to the national stage through virtual and temporary exhibitions. Our mission is to ensure the comprehensive representation and inclusion of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders across the Smithsonian’s collections, research, exhibitions, and programs. We view museums as spaces for civic engagement, hands-on learning, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue. Through education initiatives, publications, and public programs, APAC provides new avenues to document, celebrate, and share the rich and diverse history, art, and culture of AANHPI communities every day, everywhere, and all the time.

The Center works to redefine and expand the traditional museum model to transform how museums can be places for civic engagement, critical and constructive dialogue, and social justice. Through programs that invite visitors to inquire, discover, and learn via direct exchanges with artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners, we engage the public through events that recognize art, history, and culture as vehicles that can bring everyone together.

The Center has two internship tracks - Education and Operations.

• The Education track will: will focus on projects that expand AANHPI representation in K-12 education nationwide and interns’ knowledge of educational platforms and community partnerships.
• The Operations track will: focuses on projects related to upcoming exhibitions and expanding interns’ knowledge on museum operations and procedures.

APAC occasionally offers a curatorial/archival track. Applicants can see if the curatorial/archival track is available by looking on SOLAA. The Curatorial/Archival track will focus on curatorial and/or archival projects that focus on AANHPI representation in the Smithsonian archives and/or collections, including research and writing, and potential program development. Curatorial interns will also be in a cohort-learning environment with other APAC interns.

While these tracks are separate, the internship program’s foundation is a cohort-learning environment, where interns can expect to collaborate with and learn from one another. All interns at APAC will work alongside staff, receive professional development, and expand their knowledge on museum operations and “behind the scenes” work throughout the internship.

Summer Cycle 2027:

• Application Opens: January 1, 2027
• Application Deadline: February 5, 2027, at 11:59PM EST
• Application Status Notification Date: March 26, 2027
• Internship Start and End Dates: June 7, 2027 – August 13, 2027

Eligibility:

Current undergraduate students (current sophomores, juniors and seniors) and recent graduates from an undergraduate program (within 15 months of graduation). All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All majors are welcome!

Selection Criteria:

Applicants will be selected based on demonstrated academic interest and professional alignment with the internship track they selected (Education, Operations, or Curatorial). Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) histories and communities (*Demonstrated commitment includes but is not limited to, taking relevant coursework, participating in student organizations, or engaging in community service).

Stipend/Work Commitment:

The summer internship provides a total stipend of $8,000 (paid at $850 per week). Summer interns are expected to commit 35 hours per week for the full ten‑week program.

Location:

On-Site (Washington, DC)