The university museum (UM) at new mexico state university (nmsu) will implement a paid internship program to provide support and professional training to nmsu graduate students pursuing museum careers…

New Mexico State University's University Museum received $189,753 in Project Grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Museum Grants for American Latino History and Culture program (CFDA 45.033), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The award supports a three-year paid internship program designed to provide professional training and career development to NMSU graduate students pursuing museum careers while advancing the University Museum's capacity to serve the community.

The primary deliverables include the design and construction of a new exhibit focused on American Latino history and culture; updating content for existing exhibits and museum communications; and establishing a community review committee of Spanish-speaking residents to inform new museum content development. To enhance intern professional development, the program incorporates regional museum tours and conference attendance for networking with museum professionals. The initiative is intended to produce highly trained museum professionals equipped with advanced museum skills while enabling the University Museum to improve its service to the community through culturally responsive programming and exhibits.

The university museum (UM) at new mexico state university (nmsu) will implement a paid internship program to provide support and professional training to nmsu graduate students pursuing museum careers over a period of three years. The interns will update content for existing exhibits and other museum communications and design and construct a new exhibit relating to american latino history and culture. Interns will establish a review committee of spanish-speaking residents to develop new museum content. To further their professional development, interns will also complete a tour of regional museums and attend at least one professional conference to interact with other museum professionals. The intended results of this initiative are to create opportunities for students to develop museum skills and to enable the UM to better serve our community by aiding in the development of highly trained museum professionals.