Native American Awards Program - Visiting Student
This program is temporarily closed and we are not taking applications at this time due to COVID.
Background & Purpose
The Native American Awards Visiting Student falls within the Native American Awards Program which supports students, who are formally or informally affiliated with a Native American community or tribe, to visit the Institution to conduct independent research using its Native American-related resources in with the advice and guidance of Smithsonian research staff.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Graduate students, who are formally or informally affiliated with a Native American community or tribe
- Must be interested in pursuing an independent research project related to Native American resources
- Engaged in graduate study at the time of the appointment
- In good academic standing with an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or equivalent
- Available full-time (40 hours per week) for a maximum of ten weeks during the summer, fall, or spring.
How it Works
Stipend: $175 per day up to 21 days, or $600 per week, a small research allowance and with possible travel allowance
All Sessions = maximum of 10 weeks, full time (40 hours per week)
- Deadline: February 1
- For Summer (beginning after June 1) and Fall (beginning after October 1)
- Deadline: October 1
- For Spring (beginning after January 1)
How to Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors and co-advisors to determine the feasibility of the proposed research being conducted at the Smithsonian Institution, and the availability of relevant resources, including collections, archives, and library materials during the proposed tenure dates. Information about research conducted and the Smithsonian research staff is outlined in Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS).
Once a candidate has established a connection between his/her field of study and current research at the Smithsonian, he/she should then apply through SOLAA.
Once you have created an account and logged into SOLAA you will need to complete all the required information including:
- Mailing address
- Academic history
- Current university or college
Files you will need to upload:
Research Proposal
- The full statement of your research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian
- The importance of the work to your own scholarly goals.
- Maximum 6 pages double spaced
- 12 point type
Transcripts (or other materials when transcripts are not issued) from all appropriate institutions are required. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If transcripts or other materials are not in English the applicant should provide translations.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
References
- Names and email addresses of two academic references
- All reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been waived by the reference
- Provide a copy of your proposal to your references
- Through SOLAA you will send an email to these referees so they can provide references through the web
- Have the reference submit in sufficient time to meet the application deadline
Selection Criteria
The merit of the proposal.
The ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research and study.
The extent to which the Smithsonian, through its staff members and resources, can contribute to the proposed research.
Applicants should note that it is not possible for the Office of Fellowships and Internships to award a stipend to all qualified candidates. The number of Visiting Student Awards made each year is determined by the availability of funds for the program.
The Smithsonian does not discriminate on grounds of race, creed, sex, age, marital status, condition of handicap, or national origin of any applicant.
References
Past Native American Visiting Student Award Recipients
FAQ
If you have any questions please contact Pamela Hudson Veenbaas at 202-633-7070 or send an email to siofi@si.edu