AIA-NYS Scholars Program/Archaeological Research Scholarship for Students at New York Colleges and Universities, 2023–24

[Revised September 2023]

This is the fifth year of the New York Society’s outreach initiative promoting local young scholars in their study of archaeology, both by encouraging their engagement in activities of the Archaeological Institute of America-New York Society, and by supporting their participation in a range of archaeology-related projects. Designed specifically for the benefit of college students in New York City, the program is wholly administered and overseen by the local AIA society.

AIA-NYS Scholars Program

This program aims to foster participation in the activities of the AIA-New York Society by local college students, with a focus on undergraduates and first-year graduate students who have a serious, ongoing interest in pursuing archaeological studies and field research.

Eligibility
  • Open to matriculated students at an accredited college or university within the five boroughs of New York City (but need not be residents of New York City): sophomore, junior, senior undergraduate students and first-year graduate students are eligible for consideration.
  • Open to students from all academic disciplines, but those majoring in archaeology or related fields are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Process (online only)
  • Faculty members from colleges and universities in the Five Boroughs are encouraged to nominate one student apiece , with a brief letter of recommendation to the New York Society (see link in sidebar).
  • Nominated students will provide a short personal statement (200 words or less) outlining their interests, experience, and academic and career goals; plus an official electronic transcript from their institution’s Registrar’s Office (see link in sidebar).
  • The application deadline is Monday 16 October 2023.The decision of the Scholarship Committee of the NYS will be announced at the NYS meeting on Monday 9 November 2023.
Activities & Benefits

Up to a maximum of six (6) students will be named annually as “AIA-NYS Scholars,” who will:

  • Attend at least two (2) regular meetings of the AIA-New York Society (and will be introduced as this year’s “AIA-NYS Scholars”), and be invited to have dinner with the speaker. The NYS’s lectures will extend from September 2023 through to April 2024. Listening in to virtual lectures or attending in-person lectures satisfies this requirement. In Fall 2023, some NYS lectures will be virtual, others in person. As circumstances permit, the NYS will invite each of the Scholars, if they wish, to join us for up to two dinners with the speakers, after the in-person lectures.
  • Be invited to submit a short, illustrated report of any fieldwork or research experience they may have had, for publication in the Spring issue of the AIA-NYS Newsletter (paper copies sent to members, then posted on our website). Having had fieldwork experience is not a requirement for consideration.
  • Receive a one-year student membership to the Archaeological Institute of America, with a subscription to the American Journal of Archaeology, if desired.
  • If attending the Annual Meeting of the Archaeological Institute of America, receive partial financial support: a student registration fee and a ticket for the Opening Night Reception, if applicable.
  • Be eligible to apply for the annual AIA-NYS Archaeological Research Scholarship.

AIA-NYS Archaeological Research Scholarship

This scholarship provides one (1) annual grant of $1500, awarded to one of the year’s AIA-NYS Scholars, to help cover expenses for participation in a project of archaeological research, broadly defined.

Eligibility
  • Applications accepted from the annual group of AIA-NYS Scholars.
  • Must be for an archaeological field project or field school, with a minimum stay of three weeks or for a research project of comparable duration, such as archival, collection-based, or laboratory work, under the supervision of a faculty member or curator. There are no restrictions geographically or by time/cultural period for the proposed research activity.
Application Process (online only)

Applicants will complete an application form (link below) that includes the following:

  • Information about the project, including relevant links and websites.
  • A brief essay (300 words or less) summarizing the significance of the project and its relevance to the student’s current program of study, as well as to their academic and future career goals.
  • A budget statement, outlining anticipated expenses for participation in the project, along with other sources of funding, applied for or received.
  • Names and contact information for two academic recommenders: professors or advisors familiar with the student’s work, who can write on their behalf.
  • The application deadline is Monday 1 April 2024. If a scholarship is awarded, the decision of the Scholarship Committee of the NYS will be announced by Monday 15 April 2024 and also, if possible, at the final Spring 2024 meeting/lecture of the New York Society on Thursday 18 April 2024.
Documentation; Follow-up Reports

The recipient of the annual AIA-NYS Scholarship will be responsible for the following:

  • To provide a letter from the Director of the archaeological field school or project, or from the faculty supervisor or museum curator, confirming acceptance into the program; and subsequently, a letter from same, attesting to the student’s successful completion of the project.
  • To present a brief (ca. 5–10 minute) PowerPoint report of their work at the first Fall 2024 meeting of the New York Society.
  • To submit a short, illustrated report of their fieldwork experience or archaeological project, for publication in the Fall issue of the AIA-NYS Newsletter.

✎ Click here to fill the online application

For further information:

Please direct any questions about the terms of the Scholars Program and/or the Archaeological Research Scholarship to Prof. Joanne Spurza (jmspurza@hunter.cuny.edu) or Celia Bergoffen (celia_bergoffen@fitnyc.edu). Please indicate in the subject that the communication is “About the AIA-NYS Scholars Program.”