Smithsonian Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange 2027: $1,500 Honorarium, Fully Funded Washington, D.C. Training for Educators

Overview

The Smithsonian Institution invites educators to join the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Spring 2027 Cohort. The program centers on the theme “Innovation: A Journey of Civic Imagination,” encouraging educators and students to examine how innovation shapes communities and democracy through object-based learning, design thinking, and civic discourse.

Benefits

• Receive a $1,500 honorarium upon successful completion of the program.
• Attend a fully covered three-day D.C. Learning Summit in Washington, D.C. from January 11–13, 2027, with travel and accommodations included.
• Participate in extensive professional development and gain ongoing support from program co-leads.
• Collaborate with educators from across the country and connect student groups nationwide.

Eligibility

• Open to individual educators working in schools, community organizations, youth programs, and informal education settings.
• Applicants must work with young people between the ages of 10 and 19.
• Must commit to program activities throughout the semester and recruit a minimum of 15 students.
• Must be willing to collaborate with a partner educator from another geographic area and support student projects.

How to Apply

Applicants must combine their application materials into a single PDF document in the specified order and submit them via email to [email protected].

Required application documents include:

• A 1- to 2-page Letter of Interest covering your background, educational philosophy, goals, community context, and potential impact.
• A current CV or resume of up to 5 pages maximum.
• Files must follow the naming format: <LAST NAME, First Initial, Cohort 7 APPLICANT>.

Deadline

Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort must be submitted by October 5, 2026.