Screen capture from the virtual program “The Art of Movement and Coalition Building: Learning from Yuri Kochiyama.” Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, 2020.
American Women's History Initiative
Virtual 2022 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
June 13 – August 5, 2022
Application Deadline: 11:59pm ET February 28, 2022 (Now Closed)
*Applications will be capped at 400 students. The application will close when SOLAA receives 400 applicants or February 28, 2022—whichever comes first. Apply early!
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! 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 virtually host a cohort of 13 Because of Her Story (BOHS) interns. Through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including a hands-on virtual internship at a designated Smithsonian unit, Because of Her Story 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
Who Is Eligible? Undergraduate college students (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors) and recent graduates from an undergraduate program (within 15 months of June 2022; those who graduated in Spring 2021 are eligible to apply) with a commitment to women's history. Must be at least 18 years old and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
What Is It? An eight-week virtual cohort internship experience, with a weekly $750 stipend
Where Is It? Online virtually with a Smithsonian museum or research center
When Is It? June 13 – August 5, 2022
Why Apply? Explore academic or career paths, grow your professional network, learn from mentorship guidance, build practical and professional skills, establish friendships!
Application Deadline: Applications will be capped at 400 students. The application will close when SOLAA receives 400 applicants OR 11:59pm EST on February 28, 2022, whichever comes first. Apply early!
Members of the 2021 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship celebrate the end of their internships with their mentors on Zoom.
Program Information
Before applying, please thoroughly read the BOHS Program Materials, including the Application Guide, a step-by-step process of how to fill out the application in SOLAA:
Application Guide for the Virtual 2022 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
Program Description for the Virtual 2022 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
Project Descriptions for the Virtual 2022 Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
Application Process
To Apply:
- Read the Application Guide for the 2022 Virtual Because of Her Story Cohort Internship Program
- Create an account on the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
- Search under " Office of the Undersecretary for Museums and Culture (OUSMC)" and select the "2022 Virtual Because of Her Story Internship" from the drop-down menu.
- Start an application for this program.
- You must complete all sections and include the two email addresses for your references before you click submit.
All Smithsonian Institution employees (federal and trust), affiliated staff (including volunteers, interns, and fellows), and the contractors who work with us may be required to share proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., onsite, telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you may be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before appointment or onboarding with the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exemption from this requirement. Limited exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for selected candidates who inform the Smithsonian that they cannot be vaccinated because of a disability, including certain medical conditions the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers contraindications to the vaccine, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. Additional information and instructions will be provided at the time of selection.
Please contact BOHSinternship@si.edu with any questions.