Are you an undergraduate student interested in Asian-Pacific American history, culture, and community engagement? Do you want to learn more about museum operations? If this seems like something you’d like to do, we’re happy to tell you that you can make it a reality through the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships.
Generally, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships allow interns to gain professional development and increase their knowledge of museum operations. This program would enable you to connect and work alongside staff, as well as contribute to the ongoing narrative of Asian-Pacific American history.
Furthermore, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships program, which combines history, art, and culture, provides a comprehensive experience that is beyond the scope of standard internships. Interns can get a weekly stipend of up to $850. However, the Smithsonian APAC internship is highly competitive as only a small number of applicants are accepted for every program. Hence, you need to present a unique application that’ll stand you out from the competition.

In this post, we’ll look at the benefits of participating in the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship programs, the application requirements, and how you can craft a winning application. So, read on to learn all you need to know about this opportunity.
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Summary
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships allow interns to gain professional development and increase their knowledge of museum operations.
About the Host of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) is an organization that is committed to exploring, celebrating, and sharing the stories of Asian Pacific Americans. With a blend of cultures, histories, and experiences, APAC works to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamic contributions made by Asian-Pacific Americans to the broader American narrative.
Similarly, the Center works to redefine and expand the traditional museum model to transform how museums can be places for civic engagement, critical and constructive dialogue, and social justice. Furthermore, it engages the public by hosting events that promote art, history, and culture as vehicles for bringing people together. This is accomplished through programs that encourage visitors to ask questions, make discoveries, and learn directly from artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners.
Likewise, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center provides internships for those interested in Asian Pacific American history, culture, and community engagement. As a result, interns will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with professionals, gain professional development, and broaden their knowledge of museum operations and “behind the scenes” work throughout the internship. Also, interns will develop essential skills that will enable them to become active participants in the ongoing narrative of Asian-Pacific American history.
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How Much is the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships Worth?
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center offers internships in the spring, summer, and fall. As a result, the Spring and Fall internship cycles pay $24 per hour for 10 to 17 hours. Similarly, the Summer internship is full-time (35 hours per week) with a weekly stipend of $850. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with its staff, obtain professional development, and broaden your understanding of museum operations while being compensated for all of this.
How Long Will the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships Last?
Typically, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships take ten months to complete. Thus, do well to make your time count by focusing on learning, and networking, and take advantage of the numerous benefits that the program offers.
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How Many People Are Going to Get the Internship?
The number of selected candidates for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships varies depending on the internship cycle. Generally, for the Spring and Fall cycles, two interns will be accepted unless otherwise stated. For the summer cycle, four interns will be accepted per cycle unless otherwise specified.
What is the Acceptance Rate for the Asian Pacific American Center Internships Internship?
Every year, thousands of individuals apply for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center internships, but only a handful are approved. Meanwhile, two interns will be selected for the Spring and Fall cycles, with four accepted for the Summer cycle. As a result, less than 2% of the many students who applied will be accepted into the program.
Eligible Nationality
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships is open to students from any part of the world.
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Host Nationality
The Smithsonian APAC Internships program is hosted in the United States of America.
Eligible Institution(s)
The internship program is currently available to candidates who are from any accredited college or university in the world.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships?
The APAC internship is open for undergraduate students, and graduate students in any course of study.
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Which Level is Eligible for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships?
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships are available for current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships, you must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirements
To be eligible for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship programs, you must be 18 years old.
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How to Apply for Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships?
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship is an opportunity to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience in various aspects of museum work, research, and event coordination. If you want to apply for this internship program, here are the steps to follow.
Steps To Apply for Asian Pacific American Center Internship
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
The KAUST Internship program allows you to work directly with the university’s leading researchers in innovative laboratories, allowing you to select from a range of research projects that align with your interests. If you want to apply for the program, follow these general guidelines.
Visit Smithsonian Careers Page
-Review the SOLAA application application guide.
-Create an account on the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA): https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/#/public and select an internship track in the “Projects” tab of the SOLAA application.Sign Up
-Once logged in, click the “Start Application” button to search for the internship program.
-Use the “Office/Museum/Research Center” drop-down menu, select “APAC” from the drop-down menu, and click “Search”Submit Application
Click the “Apply Now” button to start an application for this internship programInterview
-If you’re selected, you will be notified of your selection status and be invited for a virtual interview.
-Following the interview, all selected candidates will be notified of the final selection and will receive further instructions on how they can accept and prepare for the internship.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
Types of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship Tracks
#1. Education
The Education Internship is designed for anyone who wants to learn about museum education and help with existing projects aimed at increasing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) presence in K-12 education across the nation. Furthermore, the education internship track will expand your understanding of how digital educational platforms can be used. Generally, candidates for this track should show an interest in learning about and promoting AANHPI communities and history.
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#2. Operations
The Museum Operations Internship is designed to train individuals who want to learn museum operations skills while also aiding on projects related to upcoming exhibitions and an upcoming permanent gallery on the National Mall. Similarly, interns will collaborate with and be supervised by APAC’s Operations and Education professionals. Some of these responsibilities include conducting critical research for loans, products, and media; generating supporting papers for museum procurement, acquisitions, and inventory; and working with other interns to plan and implement APAC programming.
What are the Documents Required for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships?
When applying for the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship programs, you will need to submit the following documents:
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Is the Asian Pacific American Center Internship Application Ongoing Now?
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships are offered in multiple cycles, each with its application deadline, date, and time. Applications for the 2025 Spring Cycle are already closed, but applications for the Summer and Fall Cycles are still open.
What Can I Do To Win Asian Pacific American Center Internship This Year?
To enhance your chances of winning the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internships, you should focus on the following:
Application Deadline
Generally, application deadlines for Smithsonian APAC Internships vary based on the internship cycle. Typically, internship applications for the 2025 Spring Cycle began on September 5, 2024, and ended on November 10, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST. In addition, applications for the 2025 Summer Cycle opened on January 1, 2025, and closed on February 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Finally, applications for the Fall Cycle will be opening on March 25, 2025, and ending on May 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Please keep in mind that all needed components of an application must be completed on time for it to be considered “complete.” They do not allow for extensions, so make sure you leave enough time to double-check your application and confirm that it is accurate.
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Selection Procedures
After the internship deadline, the Asian Pacific American Center Internship Committee will assess all completed applications received by SOLAA. Within 2-3 weeks, the committee will notify selected candidates for a virtual interview. Following the interviews, the committee will make their final selections and contact candidates within two weeks. Internship offers will be sent via email.
Does The Asian Pacific American Center Internship Have Past Questions?
There are no general past questions for the Smithsonian APAC Internships. However, you should be prepared to provide a personal abstract that demonstrates your knowledge, experience, and commitment to the organization’s objective. Similarly, be prepared to explain everything during the virtual interview. Consider acquiring a good letter of recommendation from a professional who can attest to your skills and experience.
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International Scholarships You Should Check Out
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. Whether you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below;
Frequently Asked Questions About the Asian Pacific American Center Internship
What is the Asian Pacific American Center Internship Program?
The Asian Pacific American Center Internship is a ten-week cohort internship program. The internship is part-time (10-17 hours per week) in the spring and fall, and full-time (35 hours per week) in the summer.
How many interns are accepted?
Typically, two interns are accepted for the unless otherwise Spring and Fall cycles, while four interns are accepted for the summer cycle.
Who is eligible for the Asian Pacific American Center Internships?
The Smithsonian APAC Internships are open to current undergraduate students and recent graduates from an undergraduate program within 15 months of graduation.
Where do the Smithsonian APAC Internships take place?
The Asian Pacific American Center Internship program will be an in-person experience at the APAC office in Washington, D.C.
When does the Smithsonian APAC Internships take place?
The internships will take place for around 10 weeks in three cycles: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Conclusion
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Internship provide an excellent opportunity to learn about Asian Pacific American history and culture while also gaining hands-on experience in museum operations. Similarly, interns will be able to contact and collaborate with staff as well as other interns from across the world.
Therefore, you will be able to contribute to projects that raise the voices of Asian-Pacific American communities, promoting a better knowledge of their heritage. Please keep in mind that your application will not be evaluated unless all needed components are submitted on time. Also, leave enough time to double-check your application to verify that everything is correct and comprehensive, as they do not allow extensions.
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Reference
apa.si.edu – Internships at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center