Project Summary: This internship is designed to involve a student in several aspects of the department of Inclusion and Community Engagement (DICE) within the MNHS. The primary responsibility of this position will be to help facilitate the Mazinaakizige: American Indian Teen Photography program every week on Tuesday evenings.  Some additional weekday work will be required as well. This will include preparation time in support of DICE staff and also facilitation during program hours.  Interns will be asked to work with high school students and serve in a mentor role.  The second key duty for this position will be recruitment for DICE Fellowship programming geared at college students. Finally, interns may also be involved with supporting departmental research around Diversity & Inclusion practices.  Other duties may be assigned as the semester progresses and depending on the availability of the intern.

Mazinaakizige: The Mazinaakizige program is an effort to engage American Indian high school students in meaningful programming that allows them to directly engage with photography and cultural representation. High school students are offered semester long positions that meet weekly and teach professional skills while also developing students’ artistic portfolio.  In 2016, Mazinaakizige will have 6 participants for the semester.  The final product of this program will be a traveling photography exhibition throughout American Indian communities in Minnesota.

Fellowship Programs via DICE: The three unique Fellowship Programs at MNHS engage undergraduate students and challenge them to explore careers in historical interpretation and cultural preservation. The programs aim to further diversify the museum field with indigenous/culturally diverse professionals.  Each program pulls from a different pool of students and touches on unique colleges and universities.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Attend and provide support for all Mazinaakizige programming days
  • Correspond with students about important dates and help collect and import student information into program databases
  • Recruit college students from a variety of campuses for Fellowship offerings at MNHS
  • Assist with data collection and analysis for reports and workshops and in preparation for departmental meetings
  • Other duties as necessary, including but not limited to: attending weekly departmental meetings, data entry, brainstorming program ideas, support for department run focus groups, meeting with potential donors, screening applicants for summer programs.

Knowledge intern is expected to gain:

  • Knowledge behind the scenes planning and implementation of DICE programs
  • Increased knowledge of the museum field and careers available within it
  • Familiarity with the MNHS and its varying departments and program offerings
  • Best practices in youth development programming and youth work theory
  • Increased awareness of the operations and partnerships of a large public institution
  • Extensive experience working with diverse communities and underrepresented populations
  • Experience with data collection and knowledge of program reporting process
Ideal degrees: History, Education, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, or related field.

Student Qualifications:  Interest in public history, educational programs, museum studies, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently.  Experience with data entry and knowledge of Microsoft Suite.  Prior experience working with grant writing is appreciated.  Language skills outside of English are desirable, but not necessary to be placed.

Additional Required Submissions: 100-150 word statement on your experience working with people from diverse or traditionally underrepresented communities*.  Applicants are encouraged to explain why you are a good person to mentor youth from these communities. Finally please include why you want to join the DICE, especially if you do not have prior experience with diverse communities, and how this experience will benefit your future career/education.

*Underrepresented communities is a term that is open to interpretation and commonly references (but is not limited to) cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation, or religious backgrounds.
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Additional Salary Information: Unpaid Internship