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Contact Information

PO Box 37012 NMAH, Room 1050,
MRC 607 Washington, DC 20013

202/633-2921 (Voice)
Accessibilty Program

Beth Ziebarth, Director
Krista Flores, Program Specialist
Patrick Goar, Program Specialist

In addition to the staff, the Accessibility Program currently operates with more than 40 dedicated volunteers.

Website Accessibility

Access to Opportunities

Smithsonian Intership for People with Disabilities


The Smithsonian, in partnership with the HSC Foundation, introduces an internship program specifically designed for people with disabilities. The first of its kind at the Smithsonian, the program seeks to empower participants’ sense of independence and enhance their quality of life as they look towards their futures with optimism. Exposure to the real world of work, research, and academics within the supportive and engaging environment that is the Smithsonian will provide interns with the ability and confidence to transfer the skills they developed in the classroom to the world of work.


Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to:

  • Students with a declared academic major, concentration, or discipline related to the internship (i.e. someone applying for a history internship, must be a history major, etc.;
  • Students enrolled as an undergraduate Junior, Senior, or equivalent in a degree granting program, at an accredited institution (*Just-graduated seniors are eligible to apply, provided their undergraduate graduation date was 6 months before the program start date);
  • Students with, at least, a 3.0 GPA in the major (as verified by the submission of academic transcripts);
  • Students with a demonstrated interest in the research and museological activities of the Smithsonian Institution.

    • Stipend

    Up to $2,500 (pro-rated based upon hours) is awarded to the student as a stipend. Stipend payments are distributed every two weeks through a direct deposit via the Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships.


    Application Materials

  • Application
  • Resume
  • Academic essay: 2 pages describing how academic goals, qualifications, and career aspirations relate to the internship at the Smithsonian
  • Unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges/universities attended reflecting a 3.0 GPA
  • 2 Letters of recommendation from professors or teachers; if preferred, a reference can e-mail the letter directly to interninfo@si.edu. All letters are kept confidential. Applicants are not allowed access to letters.

    • Direct any inquiries concerning the “Access to Opportunities” internship to Krista Flores, at the Accessibility Program, or by phone at (202)633-4340.