The Mildred Colodny Diversity Scholarship program provides financial assistance and experiential learning opportunities to individuals preparing for careers in historic preservation. The purpose of the Colodny Scholarship is to increase the diversity of people pursuing degrees and careers in historic preservation in the United States.

The National Trust is seeking culturally diverse applicants whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by obtaining a graduate degree in preservation, who will benefit from the internship and mentorship opportunities provided by the Trust, and who ultimately will contribute valuable, diverse perspectives to—and become leaders in—the field of preservation.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education and advocacy to save the nation’s diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. The National Trust is committed to representing the full breadth of our nation’s experience in its activities and to leading the historic preservation movement in promoting and including diversity in its goals.

The National Trust defines diversity as inclusive, embracing people of all races, creeds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, religions, physical characteristics and abilities, veteran status, and economic or social backgrounds. It also encompasses historic places, communities and geographical areas that represent the full range of unique characteristics, experiences, and cultures.

Eligibility

Students in their final year of undergraduate study intending to enroll in a graduate program in historic preservation; or graduate students enrolled in or intending to enroll in historic preservation programs. The program of study must be at a U.S. university, college or institution, and in order to receive the internship stipend portion of the award, students must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Selections will be based partly on financial need, and partly on application materials, undergraduate academic performance, promise shown for future achievement, commitment to working in preservation in the United States following graduation, and potential to help increase diversity within the preservation movement. Applications will be reviewed through a flexible consideration of all pertinent elements of diversity in light of the particular qualifications of each applicant.

Students who have received the scholarship in a previous year are not eligible to apply.

Eligible Fields of Study

Historic Preservation, or graduate programs in departments of History, Architecture, American Studies, Urban Planning, Museum Studies, etc, with a primary emphasis on Historic Preservation.

Award

Up to $15,000 towards graduate school tuition; a $5,000 stipend for a summer internship with the National Trust following the student’s first year of study; and up to $1,500 towards the student’s attendance at a National Preservation Conference.

One scholarship package per year will be awarded. Tuition payments will be made over the course of the recipient’s time in a graduate program. The summer internship will be based at the National Trust’s Washington Office, or -- if appropriate and desired by the student, and at the Trust’s discretion – at one the Trust’s field offices or historic sites. Housing during the internship and travel expenses are not provided. The conference award may be used for conference registration, hotel accommodations and/or travel expenses related to attendance at the conference.

If funding permits, partial tuition awards may be made to additional recipients. Availability of additional scholarships will be determined on a year by year basis.

How to Apply

Applications must be postmarked, emailed or received by fax no later than February 28. Selected candidates will be contacted for phone interviews during March. Final selection will be made and announced by mid-April. Candidates must fill out and return the attached application form, along with a resume, 2 letters of recommendation and appropriate academic transcripts (see application for details).

If you have any questions about the scholarship or the application, please contact David Field, Colodny Scholarship Coordinator, at 800-944-NTHP x 6124 or via email at dfield@savingplaces.org .

The National Trust also has a Diversity Scholarship Program to provide support for attendance to PastForward, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual conference.