STEELE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development provides meaningful, hands-on training in numerous professional careers. In addition, interns learn and work in the company of baseball's best-known personalities during the annual Hall of Fame Weekend and Induction Ceremony, held in Cooperstown each summer. 

Application for the Summer 2024 program will be available October 2023.

SUMMER 2023 STEELE INTERNSHIP POSTIONS

The Steele Internship Program provides meaningful, hands-on training in numerous professional careers while learning and working in the company of baseball's best-known personalities during Hall of Fame Weekend. 

Jonathan Chodzko was a 2015 development intern in the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. (Parker Fish / National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)

Jonathan Chodzko was a development intern in the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. (Parker Fish / National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)

BENEFITS OF THE INTERNSHIP

The Steele Internship Program is a ten week experience that offers college students an opportunity to work alongside Museum and Library staff to gain hands-on professional training in a field that closely matches their major. Interns craft leadership and communication skills by attending career seminars hosted by Hall of Fame staff and community leaders and also by participating in thematic public speaking, research and writing assignments that directly relate to the fulfilling the mission of the organization.

Steele intern Parker Fish delivering an artifact spotlight to Museum visitors.

Intern Parker Fish delivers an Artifact Spotlight for Museum visitors. (Milo Stewart, Jr. / National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)

The internship is more than just working 40 hours a week. It is a hands-on immersion experience that takes classroom learning into the real world. Here's an example of activities interns participate in: 

  • Career Seminars
  • All-Star Game Gala
  • Artifact Spotlights
  • Tri-City Valleycats Game
  • Hall of Fame Weekend

Featured Story

A’s executive Haley Alvarez began career journey at Hall

Haley Alvarez, a 2013 Hall of Fame intern, has become one of the most respected executives in Major League Baseball.

STEELE INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development, students must have completed at least their sophomore year and be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program at a college or university during the internship, or have just graduated in May of the year of their internship. All Steele interns receive a stipend during the ten weeks of the program and access to affordable student housing. If fulfilling an academic requirement, college credit may also be awarded.

The Steele Intern Class of 2019 at the Hall of Fame

The Steele Intern Class of 2019.  (Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum) 

OZZIE SMITH DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

The Frank & Peggy Steele Internship Program welcomes applicants for the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarship. Students of ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds pursuing a four year bachelor's or master's degree are eligible for a scholarship. Complete scholarships are awarded following acceptance into Frank & Peggy Steele Internship Program. If interested, please attach a one-page statement of interest with your cover letter and resume.

Ozzie Smith wearing a Hall of Fame jersey talking to fans during Turn Two with Ozzie Smith.

Each year during Hall of Fame Weekend Ozzie Smith hosts Turn Two, a Museum fundraiser that supports the Hall of Fame’s educational mission and the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarships for the Museum’s Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development. 

Please contact education@baseballhall.org with any questions about the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarship.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?

The Frank & Peggy Steele Internship Program welcomes applicants for the Ozzie Smith Diversity Scholarship. Students of ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds pursuing a four year bachelor's or master's degree are eligible for a scholarship. Complete scholarships are awarded following acceptance into Frank & Peggy Steele Internship Program. Scholarships include: bi-weekly stipend, travel and housing costs. The scholarship recipients are members of our museum-wide internship program and are expected to participate in all activities and assignments. For more information, please e-mail education@baseballhall.org.

IS A STIPEND OFFERED?

All interns receive a bi-weekly stipend over the course of the 10-week internship.

IS HOUSING AVAILABLE?

A local college in Oneonta, NY, offers dorm housing to interns. Oneonta is 22 miles south of Cooperstown and most interns carpool daily. Interns may seek housing in Cooperstown; however, most accommodations fill quickly due to tourist demand.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Apply online by completing the application and submitting a resume and cover letter. The deadline for a 2024 position is January 31, 2024.

WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT WITH MY APPLICATION?

In order for your application to be complete you must submit a one page resume and cover letter.

CAN I REAPPLY?

Yes. If you will still be enrolled in school the following year, you may reapply.

WHEN WILL APPLICANTS BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE?

Once the application deadline is reached, all applications will be carefully reviewed and distributed to individual department directors. All applicants will be notified of the decision by phone or e-mail message by the first week of April. If you would like to inquire about the status of your application please email education@baseballhall.org.

WHAT ARE THE START AND END DATES?

The Summer 2024 program begins Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and ends Friday, August 2, 2024. All interns must begin and end on these dates.

HOW MANY HOURS WILL I WORK?

The work schedule varies for interns depending on the needs of each department. Many interns work weekends, holidays and evenings. All interns accumulate 40 work hours each week and receive 2 days off in a 7-day time period. Interns do not receive vacation or personal days and are expected to work each week for the full 10 weeks.

IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?

Cooperstown is 90 minutes from Albany International Airport. Buses and car rental services are available from Albany to Cooperstown and Oneonta. A car is strongly recommended but not necessary as a bus runs daily from Oneonta to Cooperstown. Many interns choose to carpool.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

Yes. All interns are required to wear a short-sleeved polo uniform shirt, stone colored khakis, a black belt and black or white shoes. The uniform shirt is provided by the Museum but the purchase of khakis, belt and shoes are the responsibility of the intern. The overall dress code for the Museum is conservative professional.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN INTERNSHIP?

To be eligible, students must have completed their sophomore year and be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program at a college or university during the internship, or have just graduated in Spring 2024.

CAN I RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT FOR THE INTERNSHIP?

Yes. The Hall of Fame staff works with each individual intern to ensure they receive the experience necessary to gain academic credit if required.

If you have any additional questions, please email education@baseballhall.org.