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 nontraditional academic backgrounds, exposure to the wide variety of specializations applicable to historic preservation. Working with Texas Historical Commission (THC) staff, Preservation Scholars gain experience in the fields of architecture, archeology, economic development, downtown revitalization, heritage tourism, and more.
Whether studying history, graphic design, economics, community and regional planning, accounting, or another field, 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. In this 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 $5,500 stipend provided by the FTHC.
Eligibility:
- A student from an underrepresented ethnic or cultural community or an undergraduate student with a nontraditional academic background (e.g., undergraduate students who have taken breaks between high school and college careers, first-generation college students, or undergraduate students who are attending school part-time while working)
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Completed 50 or more undergraduate credit hours upon start of summer internship
- Currently attending a college or university in Texas, or a Texas resident attending school out of state
- Recent college graduates must have applied to or been accepted into a graduate program to be 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
- Prior recipients are ineligible
The application for summer 2022 internships is open through March 20, 2022. To apply, please visit our website.