Applications now open for 2017 Smithsonian Internships

PUEBLO -  Colorado State University-Pueblo will send more students to Washington, D.C. next summer through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. Junior or senior students may now apply for the internships, which will occur May 30-July 1, 2017. The six unpaid internships include housing covered by the university and a small stipend for expenses. Students also may earn up to three hours of internship credit for completing the experience.

Established in 1846 for the increase and diffusion of knowledge, the Smithsonian Institution is a group of 19 museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. Five CSU-Pueblo students worked in a variety of facilities this summer as part of a partnership that began with the University's involvement with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). According to Dr. Fawn Amber Montoya, associate professor and coordinator of the Chicano Studies program, the University has had interns in Washington D.C. funded through the HACU internship program in the past, but this agreement regarding internships is the only one of its kind between the Smithsonian-at-large and a university in the state of Colorado.

The 2016 summer placements included the National Museum of American History, the Archives of American Art, the National Postal Museum, and the Department of Emergency Management.

Eligible students must have a 3.0 grade point average, be able to pass a federal background check, and have taken at least one course focused on diversity in the United States with an emphasis in ethnicity or gender. Applicants also are required to be fingerprinted, available for $10 through the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office. To apply, students should submit a resume, cover letter, transcript, two letters of recommendation preferably by CSU-Pueblo faculty or staff, along with a 250-word statement outlining areas of interest.

Applications are due by January 20 tofawnamber.montoya@csupueblo.edu. As part of the internship, students will be required to keep a weekly blog and give a formal presentation to the Colorado State University System Board of Governors at their August board meeting.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.