Because of Her Story interns from summer 2019.
American Women’s History Initiative 2023 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship (Applications Now Closed)
Program June 12—August 4, 2023
The application closes when the system receives 400 applicants or 9:00am ET on February 13, 2023, whichever comes first.
Be a part of a transformational experience and contribute to a national effort to share a diversity of women's voices from the past and present through the Because of Her Story (BOHS) Cohort Internship Program. Interns will amplify women’s stories to tell a more complete American history, reach a diverse audience, and empower and inspire people from all walks of life.
As part of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative (AWHI), the Smithsonian will host a cohort of 14 BOHS interns in Washington, D.C. Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including a hands-on internship with a designated Smithsonian unit, BOHS interns will gain a deeper understanding about museum and educational best practices, and will help further the work of the American Women’s History Initiative.
“The program was professional, personal, and academic development. I met mentors and future professional contacts. I made some great friends. All the while, I was learning from the stories of many diverse women, both historically and contemporarily. I dove headfirst into the world of museums, archives, and libraries. I discovered so much more than I thought was possible.”
—2021 BOHS Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
- Undergraduate college students (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors)
- Recent graduates from an undergraduate program (within 15 months of June 2023; those who graduated in Spring 2022 are eligible to apply)
- Must have a commitment to women's history
- Must be at least 18 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
What Is the Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program?
An eight-week cohort internship experience with provided housing, reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, D.C., and a weekly $400 stipend.
More information: Program Description for the 2023 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship
Where Is It?
All interns will be based in Washington, D.C. Cohort Learning Experiences will be in-person in Washington, D.C. Internship projects will either be onsite in-person at a Smithsonian museum or research center, online virtually with a Smithsonian museum or research center, or a hybrid of both (locations are noted in each project description).
When Is It?
June 12—August 4, 2023
Why Should I Apply?
Explore academic or career paths, grow your professional network, learn from mentorship guidance, build practical and professional skills, establish friendships.
What Internship Opportunities Are Available?
Project Descriptions for the 2023 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
What Internship Opportunities Are Available?
How do I apply?
Download the Application Materials for the 2023 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
- The link to apply via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) can be found on page 9
Does the BOHS Cohort Internship Program provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities?
The Smithsonian Institution is committed to the provision of reasonable accommodation for intern applicants with disabilities unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered and processed according to Smithsonian Accommodation Procedures. Please contact BOHSInternship@si.edu if you have any questions.
Do I have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19?
The Smithsonian Institution may require employees (federal and trust), volunteers, interns, fellows and research associates, and their contractors who work with us, to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you may be required to submit documentation of proof of vaccination during onboarding. The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be.
For other application questions, please contact the Because of Her Story staff at BOHSInternship@si.edu (available 9 a.m.— 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday).
For technical support, including problems with the SOLAA system, please contact Office of the Chief Information Officer Help Desk at OCIOHelpDesk@si.edu or 202-633-4000 (available 9 a.m.—5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday).