https://internships.si.edu/opportunity/smithsonian-science-education-center-internship
Contact Information
For more information about this opportunity, please contact: SSEC-HR@si.edu
Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Interns will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of nonfiction stories that will be included in Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units. Interns will apply knowledge of science content, information gathered through expert interviews, and independent research, to support the development of high-quality, grade appropriate texts for middle school classroom use. Learning objectives include:
Available projects include:
- Smithsonian Science for the Classroom Internship(link is external): Interns will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of nonfiction stories that will be included in Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units. Interns will apply knowledge of science content, information gathered through expert interviews, and independent research, to support the development of high-quality, grade-appropriate texts for middle school classroom use. See more details at program website(link is external).
- Research Assistant Internship(link is external): The Research Assistant Intern will work with the Professional Services team of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to support the program evaluation efforts on the SSEC’s leadership programs. Intern will gain an understanding of program evaluation, research procedures, and analysis methods in the field of science education. Intern will be assisting data collection for human subject research and program evaluation. This task may include communication with participants and working on an online platform.
• Assisting the development/revision of survey instruments. See more details at program website(link is external). - STEAM Schools of Distinction Intern(link is external): This intern will work with educators, researchers, staff, SSEC partners to support the planning and execution of the 2026 Steam Schools of Distinction Strategic Planning Institute (SPI) during summer 2026. Intern will gain an understanding of the LASER model for transforming formal education through strategic planning and professional development. The intern will gain an understanding of the STEAM Schools of Distinction framework, including STEM Education for a more sustainable future, to inform the planning and development for the SPI. Experience with the SPSS or a similar software is a plus. The intern will be managed directly by a Senior Research Scientist and will receive feedback and guidance on their work. See more details at program website(link is external).
Eligibility
- Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates
- Candidates should have strong writing skills, skills in independent research, the ability to communicate professionally with experts, experience/interest in education or curriculum, and the ability to adhere to tight deadlines. Interns will be managed directly by a Smithsonian Science for the Classroom curriculum developer and will receive feedback and guidance on their writing.
Eligibility for Research Assistant Internship Only
- Currently a graduate student in Education or Science field; or a completion of 4-year college degree in Education or Science field
- Taken at least one course about research methods
Location
The internship will be a hybrid appointment, in which interns will work remotely and in-person in Washington, D.C. The Research Assistant internship will work entirely remote.
Hours
The internship will be 10 weeks and take place between May 11 and August 14, 2026, and will require a minimum 35 hours per week.
Tenure
June 8, 2026, to August 14, 2026, with a flexible start date.
Stipend
$7000
How to Apply
- Create account or log in to SOLAA(link is external)
- Click Start Application Button at top of Screen
- Search Unit: Smithsonian Science Education Center
- Select Program: Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship
- Click “Apply Now”
Please select your first, second, and third choice of program areas of your interest. All applications and the accompanying materials will be submitted through the Smithsonian’s SOLAA portal(link is external). Please do not send any application materials directly to SSEC.
Applications must include:
- Cover Letter: Please briefly describe any past experiences that make you well-suited for a project at SSEC
- CV/Resume: Please provide a current CV or resume
- Essay: Please submit a writing sample no longer than two double-spaced pages. Make sure that your writing sample demonstrates your ability to effectively communicate and are related to the program area where you wish to intern. Topics can be science related.
- Submit an exemplary work related to data analysis (e.g. school report, final course work), if available. (Only for Research Assistant Internship)
All applications must be submitted by Friday, March 13, 2026