Community Outreach & Engagement Intern at The Henry Ford

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program at The Henry Ford is a cohort-based program that offers professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. We invite diverse candidates* who are curious about careers in the museum world to become a part of our legacy and take it forward. For 2026 internships will last 15 weeks, projected to begin on January 26th and conclude on May 8th. 

*Candidates who have a disability, identify as Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, LGBTQIA+, or who exist at the intersection of these identities are encouraged to apply. All submitted applications will be considered.   

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis in the order that they are received. We encourage all interested candidates to submit applications sooner rather than later.  

How will we work together?    

The Community Outreach & Engagement Intern can expect to work a hybrid schedule. Based on specific project needs, there are times when you and the team will work on-site at The Henry Ford’s campus in Dearborn, MI.     

As our intern you will:    

• Draft e-newsletters and program communications 
• Co-lead and assist in planning quarterly Community Outreach Program Partner Meetings  
• Identify and co-design virtual and in-person engagement opportunities for Community Outreach Partners  
• Manage access opportunities for community partners for special events and programs at The Henry Ford.  
• Co-lead and assist with onsite and offsite Community Engagement and Outreach events and programs  
• Support Intern lead in the planning of community-based programming for Jackson Home engagement in the Metro Detroit region.  
• Draft community partner survey and analyze data results to help the future mission of the Community Outreach Program. 

What should you have?    

• Curiosity    
• Dedication to collaboration and teamwork    
• Ability to ask for help    

Application Materials:   

• Transcript (relevant coursework)    
• Resume    
• Statement of Purpose      

The Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program Overview and Time Commitment

The FFEI Internship Program’s mission is to offer opportunities in museum work to emerging professionals who identify with historically marginalized groups and to invite our interns to think outside the box and explore their careers in new ways. 

Participants will engage in the program through various bi-weekly professional development workshops hosted on our Dearborn campus. It is mandatory for participants to attend, and applicants should work with their leadership to ensure proper attendance. Workshops tend to occur on Wednesdays throughout the program.  

Attendance to our Intern Orientation is also mandatory. Our Winter 2026 orientation will occur on January 26, 2026. 

Why work with THF? 

At The Henry Ford, we are committed to helping you explore your passions, curiosities, and professional aspirations. Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive environment where you can develop your skills and integrate all that you learn into real-world practices. You will gain exposure to not only the team you will work alongside but to what it means to work in the museum world. This is an opportunity for you to develop great work habits, communication tools, and critical thinking that will help shape your future success.     

We are excited for you to come and be a part of our team. If this sounds like something you would love, please apply. We can’t wait to meet you.    

Please note: International students seeking practical training are welcome to apply.    

Funding for the 2026 Ford Foundation Equity Initiative Internship Program is provided by The Ford Foundation.  

The Henry Ford is an Equal Opportunity Employer.    

The Henry Ford prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer).