First Interstate Bank has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to bring summer internship opportunities to students across its 10-state footprint.
In support of the Smithsonian Rural Initiative, the First Interstate Bank Smithsonian Internship offers college students from rural communities the opportunity to participate in a paid, 10-week summer internship at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Interns are placed across a wide range of fields at the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, research centers, offices, and the National Zoo.
“Opportunity should not be limited by geography,” said Amberly Pahut, Executive Director of the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. “Partnering with the Smithsonian to support its Rural Initiative allows us to open doors for talented students from rural communities who may not otherwise have access to experiences like a Washington, D.C. internship.”
Each First Interstate Bank Smithsonian Intern receives a $7,000 stipend as well as round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C., where they will be among 1,200 interns hosted annually from across the globe. In addition to their internships, networking opportunities and additional enrichment programming will support each student’s career development. Upon the completion of their internship, students will present an overview of their experience to the Bank.
“We’re grateful to First Interstate Bank for helping expand access to Smithsonian internships for students from rural communities,” said Andy Mink, Director of Rural Initiatives at the Smithsonian Institution. “This first cohort brings remarkable talent and perspective, and we’re proud to support their growth through hands on experience, collaboration, and mentorship.”
The inaugural class of the First Interstate Bank Smithsonian Interns and their placements are as follows:
- Lyla Ackerman, University of Montana: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Ava Bolster, Southwestern Oregon Community College: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Catherine Day, University of Nebraska Lincoln: National Museum of American History
- Ivana Ebersole, University of Northern Iowa: National Museum of American History
- Royce Hinojosa, Colorado College: Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
- Michelle Kyle, Oregon State University: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
- Chloe Lewis, University of Washington: National Museum of the American Indian
- Ryan McKeown Kelley, University of Wyoming: National Museum of American History
- Emily Shoemake, University of Missouri-Kansas City: National Museum of American History
- Brittney Wylie, Washington State University: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
“These internships not only provide students expanded opportunities for professional development but empower them to bring what they learn back home,” Pahut explained. “This helps strengthen our communities and inspire others to see what’s possible.”
