Be an integral part of the Smithsonian Learning Lab and help us further discovery,

creativity, sharing and excitement.

Interning at the Smithsonian Learning Lab is a unique opportunity to be part of a
new way the Smithsonian is making its resources more accessible and useful to
teachers, students, parents, and anyone thrilled by the discovery and exploration of
museum resources. As an intern with us, you'll be a formative part of an inviting
educational movement, as we open the doors to the vast resources within the
Smithsonian to anyone with an interest to learn.
The Learning Lab was created to empower anyone to search the Smithsonian's
collection of more than one million digital assets any time or place and create
custom collections. This web-based platform, which interns will have a ground floor
opportunity to add to and refine, will stimulate learners of all ages to unearth,
collect, remix, and share assets that were once available only to those visiting the
Smithsonian in person. Interns will observe how learners of all abilities engage with
the Learning Lab and identify thoughtful opportunities to improve the user
experience.
Fall 2016 & Spring 2017 - Evaluation Research and Analytics
Interns implement evaluation, research and/or analytics projects for education
programs within the Smithsonian Center for Learning & Digital Access related to the
Smithsonian Learning Lab (SLL) www.learninglab.si.edu. Specific projects include:

Understanding the use of the SLL by community college faculty and

students
Big Data mining and analysis related to educational offerings
SLL data organization
Use of museum-related digital resources by public libraries to facilitate
digital literacy

For these projects, interns will:

Assist with different phases of evaluation projects conceptualization,

collection and analysis of data, & report results to different audiences;
Conduct statistical analysis and collection and analysis of qualitative data;
Assist with analytics - monitor and report Smithsonian Learning Lab site
usage based and creates actionable data-driven reports to aid decisionmaking processes.

Advanced level undergraduate or graduate student with experience and interest in

museum and program evaluation and analytics. Evaluation, big data, anthropology,
sociology background preferred. At least 3 days per week or 20 + hours. Flexible
schedule, but a 6 month commitment to the project is preferred.

This is not a museum education department or public programs internship, and may
take place within an office setting or remotely. Our internships are unpaid, but we
will coordinate with your school if you'd like to receive credit.
Eligibility
Our internships emphasize learning and mentorship, and are designed for college
upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. SCLDA is pleased to participate
in the Smithsonian partnership with The George Washington University. We accept
international students provided you are already in the United States studying on a
visa sponsored by a school or university.
Security
All interns are required to undergo a security background investigation and
fingerprinting through the Smithsonian's Office of Protection Services via the Office
of Personnel Management before being accepted into the program.
How to Apply
Please apply using the Smithsonian online application system https://solaa.si.edu.
Paper applications will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be
considered.
In SOLAA: (1) Select SCLDA Internship Program"; (2) Select Project." Projects that
we are currently recruiting for will be listed on the site. If no projects are listed,
please check back periodically for available opportunities.
Please be aware that complete applications must include the following:

Current resume

Academic transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)

A well-written essay that reflects your own sense of discovery and answers:
1) What do you want to learn from the Smithsonian? 2) What experiences
have you had with evaluation and analytics? 3) What do you like about
museums?

Two letters of reference, either uploaded by you or by your reference (or a

combination thereof)

Essential Tips for the Online Application: We're Paperless!

Do NOT click submit on your application until all necessary components are
uploaded (i.e., transcripts, essay, resume). Once submitted, you cannot
upload more components or change anything within the application. You can,

however, save and return to your application during the process of applying,
before submitting.

An unofficial or official transcript can be uploaded by first scanning the

document and saving it as a .pdf or .jpeg. Please do not mail the transcript
separately.

In the Reference Letter section, make sure that you click the send email"
button, and that you enter your reference's email address correctly. This
triggers the system to email your references with instructions for uploading
the reference letter. Please advise your references of this in advance.

Deadlines are rolling; however, we begin an internal review of applications after the
following dates:

Spring (January May) October 15

Summer (June August) February 1

Fall (September December) July 15

Questions
If you have questions about the application process or our internships, please send
inquiries to tspinale@si.edu. If you have questions concerning the SOLAA
application, please go to the on the SOLAA website. You will be able to check your
application status online. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you
within 34 weeks of the posted deadline. For internships in museums, you can
consult the Office of Fellowships and Internships
website: http://www.smithsonianofi.com.