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Diversity in STEM Internship

This internship has closed. To see open and upcoming opportunities, visit the internships page.

National Zoo Diversity in STEM Internships are open for the Summer of 2023. The goal of this internship program for college students is to increase participation of students of color in STEM-related conservation careers, and ultimately engage all sectors of society for positive change in environmental and social justice. The program is made possible through the generosity of Re:wild.

Learning Objectives: 

The National Zoo Diversity in STEM Internships offers impactful internship experiences for students who may otherwise not have had the opportunity to take the next step toward a conservation career. Interns can develop their own personal conservation career “pathway,” from pursuing higher degrees in conservation sciences, to exploring a broader range of career disciplines and how they can each positively impact nature. Ultimately, we aim to empower students of color to become innovators and problem-solvers for both people and nature.

Possible placements include the following areas:

  • Amazonia
  • Bird House
  • Center for Conservation Genomics
  • Communications
  • Global Health Program
  • Reptile Discovery Center
  • Small Mammal House
  • Wildlife Health Science
  • Advancement (Fundraising and Membership)
Qualifications: 
  • Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in a related field.
  • Flexible, reliable, self-motivated and team players.
  • Able to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Have good observational skills.
  • Establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, and zoo guests.
  • Have current identification i.e. driver’s license, government issued ID, passport, etc.
  • Are US Citizens or residents.
  • Pass a background check.
Stipend: 
The National Zoo Diversity in STEM Internships are paid internships, and the stipends will be $10,085 for the three months. The time commitment is 30 hrs/week, possibly including weekends and holidays. The final schedule will be coordinated between the selected interns and their mentors. Interns will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance.
Location: 
Washington DC
Housing: 
The intern will make his or her own housing arrangements in the Washington, D.C., area.
Parking: 
The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Institution do not provide free parking to interns.
Term of appointment: 

The internships will take place within the May 30, 2023, through August 18, 2023, time frame, with specific starting and ending dates to be arranged between the selected interns and their mentors.

Application deadline(s): 
Friday, April 14, 2023
Status: 
Open
Internship Category: 
Education
How to Apply: 

To apply, please submit and email with the following materials to stanossr@si.edu by April 14th, 2023:

  1. An essay expressing interest in pursuing this internship, and which are your top three placements of your interest (please refer to the names on the list mentioned above). You should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
  2. Professional resume (one page)
  3. Two references with contact information