The Smithsonian Institution is inviting educators and cultural organization leaders to participate in the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program for Fall 2026. This initiative provides an opportunity to collaboratively design and lead place-based investigations that explore local community stories and celebrate the diversity of the American experience. Participants facilitate virtual exchanges between students from different regions, fostering understanding, reflection, and civic engagement.
About the Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program
Democracy in Dialogue empowers educators and youth to connect communities across the United States. By focusing on local histories, civic engagement, and cultural storytelling, the program encourages students to recognize the value of diverse voices in shaping democracy. Participants engage in structured synchronous and asynchronous activities, culminating in final projects that showcase the contributions of their communities to the broader American experience.
The Fall 2026 cohort is currently accepting applications. This cohort will offer a cycle of learning and collaboration that equips participants to meaningfully engage students while connecting communities nationwide.
Who Can Apply
The program is designed for educators and student support professionals working with youth ages 10–18. Eligible participants include middle and high school teachers from any disciplinary background, librarians, media specialists, curriculum leads, and informal educators from museums, libraries, and community programs. Applicants must be able to recruit a minimum of 15 students to participate in the virtual exchange.
The ideal facilitator embraces diversity, applies student-centered, inquiry-based teaching methods, and values professional growth through collaboration with peers nationwide.
Student Engagement and Exchange Activities
Students participate in virtual exchanges that blend synchronous “live” sessions and asynchronous activities. Facilitators co-design topics and activities with a partner from another region, reflecting the unique characteristics and interests of both communities.
- Asynchronous Activities: Structured inquiries help students explore their local communities and prepare for collaborative interactions.
- Synchronous Live Sessions: Paired student groups meet online to share, reflect, and celebrate their discoveries about each community.
- Final Student Projects: Students create culminating projects that highlight local history, culture, and community contributions, showcased publicly to reinforce learning and civic engagement.
This approach ensures students gain a deep understanding of both their own community and those of peers nationwide while building communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Role of Facilitators
Facilitators serve as the bridge between students and the program. Responsibilities include:
- Completing professional training with Smithsonian education leaders.
- Recruiting a minimum of 15 students.
- Partnering with another facilitator from a different region to design and lead the exchange.
- Organizing in-person and virtual sessions for students.
- Guiding students in producing and showcasing final projects.
- Participating in ongoing professional support sessions.
Facilitators also receive Smithsonian support throughout the program, including access to curriculum coaches, instructional resources, and professional guidance to ensure a successful exchange.
Benefits for Facilitators
Facilitators receive a professional honorarium upon program completion and are awarded Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits. All training costs are fully covered, and participants gain invaluable experience in leading innovative, student-centered civic learning projects with national reach.
Application Process
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently open and will close on March 6, 2026. There are two tracks:
- School Track: Individual educators submit a PDF containing a letter of interest and a current CV.
- Cultural Organization Track: Organizations submit a PDF with a letter of interest, specifying program goals, facilitator involvement, and a point of contact.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program offers educators and cultural leaders a rare chance to connect students nationwide, foster civic understanding, and create meaningful educational experiences. Facilitators help students explore local stories, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop lifelong skills that strengthen communities and democracy.
Application can be accessed from here.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
