APPLY TO THE PRESERVATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Friends of the Texas Historical Commission’s Preservation Scholars Program offers students from underrepresented ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as those from non-traditional academic backgrounds, exposure to the wide variety of degrees and specializations applicable to historic preservation. Working with Texas Historical Commission (THC) staff, Preservation Scholars gain experience in the fields of architecture, archaeology, economic development, downtown revitalization, heritage tourism, and more.
This program is for you if you are:
- A member of an underrepresented ethnic or cultural community, or
- A student with a non-traditional academic background (e.g., undergraduate students who have taken breaks between high school and college careers, first generation college students, or undergraduates students who are attending school part-time while working), and
- An undergraduate or graduate student from Texas, or a student studying at a Texas college or university, and
- Are a US citizen or permanent resident.
Whether studying history, graphic design, economics, community and regional planning, or accounting, if you’re interested in learning more about how your degree can be applied to historic preservation, the Preservation Scholars Program could be for you!
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve, and protect buildings, objects, landscapes, traditions, or other artifacts both tangible and intangible of historical significance. Our goal is to increase the diversity of professionals working in field of historic preservation, which will allow us to better understand and tell the full, authentic stories of the variety of cultures that enrich Texas’ heritage. A program of the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission (FTHC), students are placed for a 10-week internship with the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Over the course of the internship, students work under the supervision of THC staff at the agency’s headquarters in Austin and/or in the field at historic sites to complete a project of their choosing. Select internship projects allow the option for remote participation in the program. Over the course of the internship, students meet with staff in each of the THC’s divisions and attend weekly “Brown Bag Presentations” with outside preservation organizations to learn about the preservation work happening across the state. Brief progress reports are required throughout the internship and upon conclusion. The FTHC also requires a final presentation to its Board of Trustees during the summer board meeting. The internship offers a $5,000 stipend provided by the FTHC.
Eligibility:
- Member of underrepresented ethnic or cultural community or an undergraduate student with a non-traditional academic background
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- College students who have completed 50 or more credit hours upon start of internship
- Attending a college or university in Texas, or a Texas resident attending school out of state
- Recent graduates or college seniors applied to or accepted into a graduate program are eligible (proof of application or acceptance to a graduate program will be required)
- Grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system, (or comparable GPA)
- Prior recipients are ineligible
THE DEADLINE FOR SUMMER 2021 INTERNSHIPS IS MARCH 19, 2021.