2026 Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships Application Information
Rosemary Kennedy Initiative Internships Application Information
The Rosemary Kennedy Initiative (“RKI”) provides internship experiences at the Kennedy Center to individuals with documented disabilities. Through this 24-week experience, disabled individuals build professional skills and workplace confidence. Interns leave better prepared to engage in competitive, integrated employment. Open to candidates ages 18+ with a documented disability. The 2026 program runs January 12 through June 28, 2026.
During their six months on-site at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, RKI interns have the opportunity to dive deep into their departmental placements. In addition to this hands-on work experience at the Kennedy Center, the program provides opportunities for professional growth through a curriculum of workshops, field trips, and networking events. RKI interns build skills while exploring today's varied careers in the cultural sector.
The 2026 session will offer position in the following departments:
- Campus Rentals & Sales
- Multimedia
- Usher Services
Eligibility:
- Candidates must be 18+ as of January 12, 2026 and be legally eligible to work in the United States.
- Candidates must have a documented disability.
- Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. at least four days each week for assigned shifts.
Applications are due by Friday, October 24, 2025. In-person interviews will occur November 7 and 10-12, 2025. Learn more at kennedy-center.org/careers/rosemary-kennedy-initiative.
The following webinar was recorded on October 1, 2025 and provides tips and advice on how to present your best application for this opportunity! A written Q&A is also provided below.
Q & A
Below are questions asked by participants during the webinar as well as frequently asked questions about the program and the application process. If you have additional questions, you may email us anytime at [email protected].
How do you define disability?
Disability is a broad umbrella that covers a variety of lived experiences. Eligible individuals may have visible, physical, and/or sensory conditions, as well as less visible conditions like anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness/pain, PTSD, dyslexia, neurodivergence, and more. Review definitions of disability associated with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act.
Am I required to have a job coach?
The Kennedy Center staff reserves the right to require job coaches on a case-by-case basis.
How many hours a week am I expected to be on-site?
RKI interns work 20 hours per week for 6 months.
What is a typical weekly schedule?
For those placed in the Usher Services, expect to work evenings and weekends. The other placements tend to follow a more traditional office schedule (M-F) but since these are internships in the creative sector, evening and weekend events that require your presence may occur.
Are the networking and professional development sessions paid work?
Yes. All official internship activities that occur as part of the program (networking sessions, workshops, etc.) regardless of their location at the Kennedy Center or off-site in other D.C.-area locations are paid working time.
What kind of topics are covered in the professional development sessions?
Professional development sessions build skills in professional communication, interview skills, networking, career exploration, and more. We work to introduce our RKI cohort to potential future employers and seek to give them a chance to observe multiple types of work environment so they have a more focused path to employment.
How can I use the travel stipend?
The transportation stipend is intended to offset commuting costs. This may be used to cover WMATA fees, taxis, Uber/Lyft, MetroAccess, parking fees, tolls, and gas, etc.
Ready to apply? Applications are due Friday, October 24, 2025! Apply now.