History Scholarships

Underrepresented and underserved Ph.D. or Th.D. students in religion, theological studies, or biblical studies who have completed coursework and are at the dissertation stage may apply for FTE doctoral dissertation fellowships from the Forum for Theological Exploration. One-year fellowships provide up to $35,000. Fellows must be enrolled full time at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution and pursuing a teaching and scholarship vocation in North America. Applications open in January and are due February 16. Submit the FTE application with CV, research abstract, transcripts, and faculty recommendations.

Late-stage Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences at accredited U.S. graduate schools whose dissertation addresses religious, ethical, or moral questions may apply for Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships. Twenty fellows each receive a $31,000 stipend for 12 months of full-time dissertation writing. Applicants must have completed coursework, passed preliminary exams, received dissertation proposal approval, and be actively writing their dissertation by the application deadline. Professional degrees such as D.Min., law, Psy.D., and Ed.D. are not eligible.

U.S. citizens who are Intercollegiate Studies Institute members enrolled full time in a graduate humanities or social sciences program and intend to teach at the college level may apply for the Richard M. Weaver Graduate Fellowship. Pre-professional programs in business, divinity, medicine, or law are ineligible. Fellowships range from $5,000 to $15,000. ISI awards up to 15 fellowships annually for tuition and living expenses. Apply by the March deadline through ISI. The fellowship honors Richard M. Weaver and supports graduate students who will use advanced degrees to teach and uphold academic excellence.

U.S. citizens who are current teachers, graduate students, or graduating college seniors planning graduate school may apply. You must intend to teach American history, American government, civics, or social studies with a focus on the U.S. Constitution in grades 7 through 12, and commit to attending the included summer program. Fellowships provide up to $12,000 per academic year, with a maximum of $24,000 total. Approximately one fellowship is awarded per state, with about 50 awards available nationwide. Register online and complete the application with brief essays, work history, academic transcripts, and contact information for three recommenders.

U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12 at a public, private, parochial, or home school may enter the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Contest through a local SAR chapter. National prizes include a $6,000 first-place award, plus additional prizes at lower tiers for five total national winners. Chapter and state deadlines vary, typically around December 31. Entrants submit an original 800- to 1,200-word essay on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal linked to the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or U.S. Constitution. Essays advance from local chapters through state to national competition.

Graduate students at accredited institutions, preferably BEA member schools, pursuing advanced degrees focused on broadcast history may apply for the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation Award by October 16. One $3,000 full-year scholarship is awarded. Submit a complete BEA application with a thesis or dissertation proposal abstract, transcript, and two references, including one from electronic media faculty. Recipients are announced in late November. The Broadcast Education Association supports educators and students in electronic media research and production.

U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents with at least junior standing in a German Studies track or minor, or graduate students in humanities and social sciences working on German Studies, may be nominated by a department or program chair for DAAD German Studies Research Grants. PhD students preparing dissertation proposals on modern German topics may also be nominated; students whose proposals were formally accepted more than one year before the deadline are not eligible. Grants of up to $3,000 support one to two months of short-term research in Germany. The number of recipients varies. Nomination by a supervising professor or principal advisor is required. Applications are accepted in spring and fall each year through the DAAD application process.

Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree with at least 24 credit hours in American history and American government may apply for the DAR Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship. U.S. citizens residing abroad may apply through a Units Overseas Chapter. The award is $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with a minimum 3.25 GPA. The number of recipients varies. Apply through the DAR website with required transcripts and proof of citizenship. Renewal requires annual transcript review by the National Chairman. The scholarship promotes concentrated study of American history and government.

Undergraduate students in the United States or Canada who have begun their junior year, are at least 18, and have not previously participated in archaeological fieldwork of any kind may apply. Students who have not yet completed their first year of graduate school are eligible. Archaeology and related majors are especially encouraged. The $2,000 award helps pay expenses for first-time participation in an archaeological field school with a minimum stay of four weeks. Selection considers both academic achievement and financial need. Apply through the Archaeological Institute of America.

Graduate students and seminarians studying theology, philosophy, history, law, politics, economics, or related fields whose academic work shows potential to advance understanding of theology and free society principles may apply for Calihan Academic Grants from the Acton Institute. Grants of up to $1,000 support research or conference travel. Applications are reviewed quarterly. The Acton Institute supports future leaders exploring the relationship between human dignity, virtue, and free markets.