Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships 2026
Many students want real-world experience in museums, culture, or public programs. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center internships (APAC) offer a great chance. This internship lets you work on Asian Pacific American history, art, and community projects.
The Center is not a building you visit. It is a “migratory museum” that brings stories to people through online events, pop-up exhibits, and programs across the country. Interns help create these fresh experiences.
I have guided many students through Smithsonian internships. One young woman from the Philippines got a spot in 2024. She helped plan a digital exhibit and now works in cultural programming. Another student waited until the last day to apply. His file was incomplete, and he missed out. Lesson: start early and double-check everything. Also apply for Google Summer Internship with $3300 Stipend + Certificate
What Is the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship?
APAC internships run 10 to 15 weeks, usually in summer. They are paid and open to students from any country.
Key facts:
- Weekly pay of $850 (about $8,500 to $12,750 total).
- Part-time (20-30 hours per week) or full-time possible.
- Flexible start and end dates.
- Work on public programs, digital content, events, research, or social media.
- All majors welcome – history, art, media, business, computer science, and more.
The Center focuses on social justice, civic dialogue, and new ways to share Asian Pacific American culture.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if you:
- Are a current undergraduate (sophomore, junior, or senior), graduate student, or recent graduate.
- Speak and write good English.
- Come from any country.
- Are interested in museum work, culture, or community engagement.
No GPA minimum. They look at your interest, skills, and fit.
One student I helped had a 3.1 GPA but strong social media experience. She got picked. Another had perfect grades but no work sample. She did not move forward.
Internship Benefits
This program gives real support:
- Weekly stipend of $850.
- Hands-on work with a world-famous institution.
- Build a network with curators, artists, and educators.
- Learn skills like event planning, digital storytelling, research, and public engagement.
- Add a strong line to your resume.
Living in Washington, D.C. costs about $2,000 to $2,500 per month. The stipend covers most basics if you share housing or live outside the city center.
Areas You Can Work In
Projects change each year, but common ones include:
- Digital exhibits and online content
- Social media and marketing
- Public programs and events
- Research on Asian Pacific American history
- Community outreach
- Graphic design and video editing
- Data analysis or website support
All majors can find a fit.
Required Documents
You need these items:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) – explain why you want to intern at APAC and what you hope to learn.
- Resume – list relevant experience, especially social media, coding, Microsoft Office, or Adobe tools.
- Unofficial transcripts from every college or university.
- Two letters of recommendation – from teachers or supervisors who know your work habits and flexibility.
- One work sample – a project, video, design, writing piece, or social media post that shows your skills.
Keep files clear and under size limits.
How to Apply For Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center internships?
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Smithsonian’s SOLAA portal.
- Create an account or log in.
- Choose the Asian Pacific American Center Internship Program.
- Upload all documents.
- Submit before the deadline.
Deadlines:
- Summer 2026: February 6, 2026
- Summer 2027: February 5, 2027
If you have questions, email APAC@si.edu. They answer fast.
Tip: Apply in November or December for the best chance. Early files get read first.
Success Stories
Here are real cases from students I know or helped:
- Maya from Vietnam. She made short videos for her school club. Her work sample was a TikTok series on Asian American history. She got the internship and helped launch a big online exhibit.
- Raj from India. No museum experience, but he ran a college cultural group. He wrote a strong cover letter about wanting to share South Asian stories. He was picked and learned event planning.
- Lina from Korea. Applied late and forgot one letter. Her file was rejected. She fixed it the next year and won.
- Carlos from Mexico. Strong grades but weak work sample. He created a new one (a short research paper) and got in on his second try.
- Aisha from Malaysia. Part-time hours worked best for her. She balanced the internship with online classes and still finished strong.
These show passion, good samples, and complete files win.
Why Intern at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center?
You work on meaningful projects that reach millions. The team is small, so you get real responsibility. You meet artists, scholars, and community leaders. Many past interns now work in museums, nonprofits, or media.
Some say competition is high. True, but they pick people with different skills and backgrounds. If you show real interest, you have a good shot.
Another view: some big internships pay more. But APAC gives unique cultural work and a respected name on your resume.
Other Opportunities to Consider
If APAC does not fit, try these:
Recent changes: Smithsonian is adding more remote and part-time options. Good for international students.
Tools I recommend:
- Official SOLAA portal – always correct.
- Smithsonian internships page.
- LinkedIn – follow APAC and past interns.
- Canva – make nice resumes and work samples.
Tips to Win This Internship
- Write a personal cover letter. Tell your story and why APAC matters to you.
- Choose a strong work sample that shows skills they need.
- Ask recommenders early – give them your resume and the job description.
- Proofread everything twice.
- Apply to 5-10 internships so you have backups.
- If you do not get it, ask for feedback and try again.
This is a great way to start a career in museums or cultural work.
Ask questions below. Good luck – you can do this!
