Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute

Thank you for your interest in the Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute. Following a one year hiatus, the program restarts for summer 2024.  The program will run from Monday, June 17–Friday, July 19, 2024.  The deadline to apply is Friday, May 24, 2024.

The program, which is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, offers a five-week fellowship for 10 rising seniors (juniors in spring 2024, entering their senior year in fall 2024, graduating in 2025.) Students from HBCUs are encouraged to apply.

We are planning for an in-person summer institute and will provide dormitory housing, and meals each day. There is no all virtual format offered for this summer 2024 program.

Program Details

  • Full-day sessions with breaks. All sessions are mandatory.
  • Seminars led by distinguished scholars
  • Mentorship from emerging scholars
  • Assigned readings
  • Archival research
  • Trips to local cultural institutions
  • Most out-of-state transportation costs covered
  • Free housing and lunch Monday through Friday
  • $4,000 stipend. Students who are enrolled in the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program are NOT eligible for the stipend.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students entering their senior year in Fall 2024
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Demonstrated interest in Africa and the African Diaspora

If you do not meet ALL eligibility requirements, your application will not be considered.

Application Requirements (All application materials must be received by Friday, May 24, 2024)

  • Completed application form
  • Academic transcripts must be received by May 24, 2024.  We will accept an official or student copy of a transcript. Please send, or have your college/university's registrar's office send your complete transcript via email to schomburged@nypl.org OR via postal mail to Schomburg-Mellon Institute - Schomburg Center-515 Malcolm X Blvd.- New York, NY 10037. Applicants may combine a transcript with their resume PDF and upload both required items together.
  • Letter of recommendation (1) from a faculty member
  • Research statement (500 words) Describe your intended research project and how you believe Schomburg Center archives may be useful. Are there specific research divisions or archives in which you have interests?
  • Personal statement (500 words) Tell us about your background, academic interests, and why you want to pursue a PhD in a given area.
  • Recent resume

If you do not provide ALL required application materials by the deadline of May 24, 2024, your application will not be considered. The application link is: http://apply.interfolio.com/143403

Selected students will be informed via email by May 30, 2024.

About the Program

The Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute is designed for students of color and others with an interest in African-American, African and African Diaspora Studies to pursue PhDs in the humanities.

If there are any questions in the meantime, feel free to contact schomburged@nypl.org.

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