Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026 are now open for applications, offering international students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the Smithsonian. This fully structured internship program runs for 10–15 weeks and provides modest stipends each semester, allowing participants to explore museum work while engaging with Asian Pacific American history, art, and culture.
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center goes beyond the traditional museum model, creating dynamic experiences that engage communities and promote social justice. Interns will participate in public programs, signature series like Culture Labs, and interactive events that foster dialogue, learning, and collaboration with artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners across the United States.
Benefits
- weekly $850 stipend
- Opportunity to receive academic credit through your university
- Exposure to museum programs, cultural projects, and public engagement initiatives
- Encouragement to explore additional scholarship opportunities through your university
- Access to other funded opportunities via the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026 :
- Required Languages: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Current undergraduate students (current sophomores, juniors, and seniors), graduate students, and recent graduates.
- All majors welcome.
Note: Application Opens 2 January 2026
Required documents for Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026
- Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages addressing:
- Why do you want to be an intern at APAC?
- What knowledge and skills do you hope to learn from the internship?
- Unofficial Academic Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
- Resume. Please include relevant experience, including any technical proficiency in social media platforms, coding languages, and programs such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation addressing: Academic ability. Professionalism. Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced, rapidly-changing environment.
- 1 Relevant Work Sample
How to Apply?
- Check Eligibility: Review the internship guide to confirm you meet requirements (undergraduate students or recent grads, GPA 3.0+, 18+).
- Choose Your Track: Pick Education, Operations, or Curatorial/Archival based on your interests.
- Create SOLAA Account: Sign up or log in at SOLAA.
- Start Application: Select “APAC – Asian Pacific American Center” and choose the Internship Program.
- Fill Form: Enter personal info, education, and internship preferences accurately.
- Upload Documents: Submit your personal abstract, resume/CV, transcripts, writing sample, and one recommendation letter.
- Submit Before Deadline: Review everything and submit before February 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Wait for Notification: Selected interns are notified 4–5 weeks after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026 is a ten-week, full-time summer program in Washington, D.C., offering a weekly $850 stipend. Open to undergraduates and recent graduates from all majors, it emphasizes cultural engagement, mentorship, and hands-on museum experience.
What is the Asian Pacific American Center’s Internship Program?
The Asian Pacific American Center Internship Program is a ten-week summer cohort experience designed for undergraduates and recent graduates. Interns work full-time at 35 hours per week and receive a weekly stipend of $850, gaining hands-on experience in museum operations, education, and cultural programs.
How many interns are accepted each summer?
For the summer cycle, the program typically accepts four interns, providing an intimate and focused experience. This limited cohort ensures meaningful mentorship and collaboration with staff and other interns in the Washington, D.C. office.
Who is eligible to apply for the Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026?
Current undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates within 15 months of graduation are eligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
When does the Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026 take place?
The internship occurs over the summer and spans 10 weeks in total.
Specific start and end dates are provided in the application guide, allowing applicants to plan their schedule accordingly.
What is the weekly time commitment for interns?
Summer interns are expected to commit 35 hours per week for the full ten-week period. This full-time schedule ensures a comprehensive learning experience in the center’s educational and curatorial activities.
Is the Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026 paid?
Yes, each summer intern receives a weekly stipend of $850.
This stipend supports living expenses during the program, although interns are responsible for arranging their own housing.
Is housing provided during the internship?
No, housing is not provided. Interns must secure their own accommodations in Washington, D.C. The program offers informal guidance to help interns find housing and prepare for their summer experience.
Are there any vaccination requirements?
The Smithsonian may require proof of vaccination for participation.
Applicants should check for additional guidance regarding reasonable accommodations related to health requirements.
Can students from all majors apply?
Yes, the internship welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines.
This inclusive approach allows students with diverse backgrounds to contribute to and learn from the center’s programs and initiatives.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
