The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is offering an exciting Summer High School Internship Program for 2026, providing students with a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience inside one of the most respected museums and research institutions in the world.

Designed for high school students interested in science, research, museums, and public education, the program allows interns to collaborate with scientists, curators, educators, and museum professionals while contributing to meaningful projects.

Applications are currently open, and interested students must submit their applications by March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET).

About the Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship Program

The Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship Program offers an immersive learning experience where students explore the professional world of museums, science research, and education.

Interns will work within different departments of the museum and gain exposure to both scientific and non-scientific roles. Throughout the program, participants will engage in research projects, learn professional skills, and participate in enrichment activities designed to broaden their understanding of museum operations and scientific discovery.

Students will also meet peers with similar interests, participate in field trips, explore behind-the-scenes areas of the museum, and gain valuable skills that support future academic and career development.

Internship Duration and Schedule

The internship runs for eight weeks during the summer of 2026.

Program Details:

Start Date: June 23, 2026
End Date: August 14, 2026
Work Days: Tuesday to Friday
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Weekly Commitment: Approximately 24 hours per week

Interns must be available for the entire duration of the program, as the schedule and dates are not flexible.

Internship Projects Available for 2026

Students will have the opportunity to work on specialized projects across several departments at the National Museum of Natural History.

Exhibits and Communications: Writing About the Natural World

Interns will develop research, writing, and communication skills by producing content that explains scientific topics to general audiences. Students will conduct interviews with scientists, research background information, and draft exhibition labels, social media content, and blog essays.

Botany: Plant Specimen Management and Conservation

Participants will assist researchers in determining geographic coordinates for plant specimens. This work helps scientists map species distribution and supports conservation research.

Anthropology: Restoration of the Tlingit Bear Screens

This project focuses on restoring cultural heritage artifacts from the Tlingit community in Wrangell, Alaska. Interns will help reconstruct faded painted designs from historic bear screens collected in 1906, supporting cultural preservation and repatriation efforts.

Paleobiology: Research on Late Cretaceous Foraminifera

Students will study microscopic fossils used by scientists to determine the age of geological sediments. The project includes laboratory preparation techniques, microscope analysis, and fossil identification using advanced imaging tools.

Science Education

Additional educational projects may also be offered, focusing on public engagement and science communication.

Skills and Experience Interns Will Gain

Participants in the program will develop valuable academic and professional skills that support future careers in science, education, and research.

Interns will gain experience in:

Scientific research methods
Laboratory preparation and microscope analysis
Science writing and communication
Cultural heritage preservation
Data analysis and documentation
Public engagement and science education

These experiences provide students with early exposure to real scientific and museum careers.

Internship Stipend and Benefits

Selected students will receive financial and logistical support during the internship.

Program benefits include:

$5,600 stipend ($700 per week)
Lunch provided during the program
Transportation for field trips
SmarTrip transportation cards if needed
Mentorship from Smithsonian professionals
Networking with scientists, educators, and museum staff
Behind-the-scenes access to museum research and collections

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply:

Be currently enrolled in high school (grades 9–12)
Be 15 to 18 years old at the start of the internship
Be able to write and communicate fluently in English
Be located within commuting distance of Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia
Be able to participate in the full 8-week program

The Smithsonian Institution maintains an equal opportunity policy and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)

Steps to apply:

Visit the SOLAA portal: CLICK HERE
Create an account or log in.
Click “Start Your Application.”
Search for the NMNH High School Summer Internship Program.
Select “Apply Now” and complete the application.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:

Completed application form in the SOLAA system
Résumé using the program’s provided template
Statement of Interest answering four questions (250 words each)
One letter of recommendation from a mentor, coach, teacher, or supervisor

Applicants should request recommendation letters early to ensure submission before the deadline.

Selection Timeline

After submitting applications, students should monitor their email for updates.

Expected timeline:

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Review Period: Approximately 4–6 weeks
Decision Notifications: Around April 22, 2026

Students who are selected will receive detailed information about their assigned department, mentor, and project.

Why Students Should Apply

The Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship offers a unique opportunity to explore science, research, communication, and museum careers while working alongside leading experts.

Participants gain real experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to scientific discovery, making this program an excellent stepping stone for students interested in STEM fields, research, education, or museum studies.

Students passionate about science, writing, culture, or conservation are strongly encouraged to apply before the March 20, 2026 deadline.

Students can learn more and apply through the official website: CLICK HERE

For more internship opportunity: CLICK HERE

Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship 2026: Earn $5,600 While Gaining Hands-On Experience in Science and Museum Research

Job Description