Field Forward Stipend

Field Forward is a living and relocation stipend—offered to select candidates in addition to the paid internship—that supports students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and students with demonstrated financial need. Field Forward’s goals are to encourage diverse student engagement with the Museum and the broader museum field and to promote educational and professional experience and training to students historically underrepresented in museum and other cultural arts professions. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered.  

The Field Forward application is live during the same application window as internship applications. View “How to Apply” for further instructions, application deadlines, and other important dates. 

Field Forward Application Requirements:

  1. The online Museum application package for the preferred internship
  2. The Field Forward application
  3. A letter of recommendation. We prefer that letters of recommendation are uploaded to the online Field Forward application. If you are unable to do so, you or your reference may email your letter of recommendation to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.
  4. Additional – Financial Need: Graduate intern candidates will demonstrate financial need by explaining demonstrated need in their Field Forward application. Undergraduate intern candidates will demonstrate financial need by completing a Student Financial Aid Profile, signed by their college’s financial aid office, and by explaining demonstrated need in their Field Forward application. Undergraduates: Please follow the instructions in the Student Financial Aid Profile and return it to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.

Field Forward FAQs

Field Forward is designed and intended for currently enrolled, credit-seeking, and/or degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students who identify as traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and those with demonstrated financial need. Students must submit an additional application and demonstrate financial need (if applicable) to be considered.  

Yes! 

Awards are determined through a collaborative review process between the Museum’s Human Resources and Internship offices. 

Same as the time requirements for paid internships: a maximum commitment of 25 hours per week for 12 weeks. 

The Field Forward stipend is $2,500 divided equally over six pay periods – approximately $416 bi-weekly.

A staff member from the Internship office will indicate if you have been awarded a Field Forward stipend when you are offered an internship position. Notifications will be sent via email. 

Describe how you identify with your selected Field Forward group/s (students from communities traditionally underrepresented in cultural arts careers and/or students with demonstrated financial need, including assistance needed for relocation if residing 100 miles or more from Nashville).

Recommendations must come from a professional reference (e.g., professor, employer, etc.). References should speak to the applicant’s academic and/or work history, as well as to how the specific internship position will support the applicant’s professional and educational aspirations. 

How do I submit letters of recommendation? 

We prefer that letters of recommendation are uploaded to the online Field Forward application. If you are unable to do so, you or your reference may email your letter of recommendation to internships@countrymusichalloffame.org. 

Yes, the Field Forward stipend is considered taxable income; taxes will be withheld from the stipend payments. Stipend payments will be made via direct deposit to your designated bank account and reflected on your bi-weekly pay stub. 

Contact Us

For additional information, contact the Internship office at internships@countrymusichalloffame.org.

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