Charlottesville — Virginia Humanities is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars Fellowship. This opportunity bridges the resource gap for humanities scholars affiliated with HBCUs, amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering groundbreaking research into the heritage of Indigenous, Afro-Descendant, and Traditional Peoples (IAT).
Since its inception in 2021, the fellowship has funded nine scholars across three cohorts, leading to significant achievements such as: book contracts with leading academic presses; publication of peer-reviewed articles and public-facing entries in Encyclopedia Virginia; notable awards, including the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad grant; and career advancements, including tenure-track appointments and successful dissertation defenses.
Participants gain access to the University of Virginia’s extensive library resources, connect with academic publishing outlets and present their work through public platforms like Virginia Humanities’ With Good Reason radio show and cultural centers of their choice. They also benefit from professional development workshops and mentorship opportunities.
Distinct from prior years, Virginia Humanities is now offering both short-term (three to six months) and long-term (nine to 12 months) HBCU Scholars fellowship options. This dual path makes the program accessible to more applicants, including those who may not be able to commit to a full academic year. Short-term fellowship awards range from $5,000 to $15,000; long-term fellowship awards range from $20,000 to $45,000.
Eligibility and Application Details
Applications are open to humanities scholars affiliated with accredited HBCUs, which includes alumni, current faculty, and doctoral candidates.
The program particularly welcomes projects that explore Virginia’s historical significance, activism in Black historic preservation, and broader South Atlantic themes. The fellowship term should result in a scholarly contribution or meaningful public humanities work that engages a large public audience.
Interested applicants can visit Virginia Humanities’ HBCU Fellowships Page for more information and to submit their applications. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, March 2, 2025.
About Virginia Humanities
Virginia Humanities is the state humanities council. We’re headquartered in Charlottesville at the University of Virginia, but we serve the entire state. We aim to share the stories of all Virginians—or, better yet, find ways for people to share their own stories. We want Virginians to connect with their history and culture and, in doing that, we hope we’ll all get to know each other a little better. Founded in 1974, we are one of 56 humanities councils created by Congress with money and support from the National Endowment for the Humanities to make the humanities available to all Americans. To learn more, visit VirginiaHumanities.org.