Diversity Initiatives

The Josie A. Bass Career Development Program and the Los Padres Internship Program were developed to encourage young African American and Latino/Hispanic students to make a difference in the arts world by facilitating their entrance into the profession of arts management. In addition to the experiences all Wolf Trap interns enjoy, free housing and transportation are provided for participants in these programs, if needed.

How to Apply

Please follow the general application instructions and include in your cover letter both your desire to participate in the Josie A. Bass Program or the Los Padres Internship Program and your department(s) of interest.

Josie A. Bass Career Development Program for African American Students

The Josie A. Bass Career Development Program is designed to provide internship experience in arts administration for qualified African American students. Started in 1999 with generous funding from the Anthony and Beatrice Welters family, the Josie A. Bass Program fosters mentor relationships between interns and the Josie A. Bass Advisory Committee, comprised of Wolf Trap's diverse Board of Directors, experienced administrators, and other outstanding local and national representatives within the business and arts communities.

By its 6th year of existence this program had placed students from 30 schools, including 6 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU's), in various departments of the Wolf Trap Foundation. Past participants have continued their careers at Wolf Trap and in other nonprofit arts organizations across the country, attended graduate school in Arts Administration or related fields, and have been invited to join the Josie A. Bass Advisory Committee.

Los Padres Internship Program for Hispanic/Latino Students

The Wolf Trap Foundation's Los Padres Internship Program for Hispanic/Latino Students was started in summer 2004 with generous support from Edgar and Lillian Rios to encourage Hispanic and Latino students to consider careers in arts administration. Edgar and Lillian Rios established the Los Padres Foundation as a result of their deep commitment to contribute to the development of others. Their profound commitment to scholarship funding and enrichment programs for Hispanic/Latino Youth has enabled approximately 500 students to graduate from college. The program provides Los Padres Interns with transportation to and from their home city to Washington DC.