Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships
Society for American Archaeology
Established in 2010 by the Society of American Archaeology, the Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship (HUGS) aims to increase and sustain underrepresented minorities undertaking archaeology degrees. The fund recognizes that minority groups have long been underrepresented in American archaeology. Since 2015, HUGS has assisted many such students in their studies and subsequent transition into archaeology careers.
To be considered, you must belong to one of the minority groups, including African American, Hispanic, and other non-European minorities. The grant is also only available to the United States and Canadian citizens. Applications are open to eligible students with an MA/MS degree or those enrolled in a regionally accredited university in the mentioned countries.
HUGS offers up to $3,000 to undergraduate and graduate students. The funds may be used to cover expenses including food, accommodation, travel, research, and books. If a beneficiary wishes to participate in fieldwork, the financial aid can help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Scholarship Summary
Established in 2010 by the Society of American Archaeology, the Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship (HUGS) aims to increase and sustain underrepresented minorities undertaking archaeology degrees. The fund recognizes that minority groups have long been underrepresented in American archaeology. Since 2015, HUGS has assisted many such students in their studies and subsequent transition into archaeology careers.
To be considered, you must belong to one of the minority groups, including African American, Hispanic, and other non-European minorities. The grant is also only available to the United States and Canadian citizens. Applications are open to eligible students with an MA/MS degree or those enrolled in a regionally accredited university in the mentioned countries.
HUGS offers up to $3,000 to undergraduate and graduate students. The funds may be used to cover expenses including food, accommodation, travel, research, and books. If a beneficiary wishes to participate in fieldwork, the financial aid can help cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Undergraduate – Graduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Canada, United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian
Key Information of Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships
Study Details
Area of Study
Health Care
Country of Study
- Canada
- United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships Timeline
October 1
Application Open Date
Scholarship applications will open in October.
January
Submission Deadline
Prospective candidates must submit their applications online by the end of January.
April
Award Announcement Date
Successful applicants are notified in April and provided with information on the next course of action.
How to ace the Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships
Express your enthusiasm in your personal statement
Your personal statement is an opportunity to express your interest in archaeology. Highlight personal strengths including your academic and employment history. Finally, describe how your prior experiences deepen your interest in archaeological studies.
Craft a convincing statement of research
In this statement, talk about your goals for undertaking archaeological studies. List the areas in that field that interest you the most. Then, home in with an account of the contributions you hope to make in your field upon graduation.
Prepare a compelling study statement
This is your chance to talk about the program you intend to join. Show the council how participating in the proposed program will help you advance your career. Don’t be afraid to embellish a little by showing how you will contribute to the future of archaeology.
Make a justified but realistic itemized budget
With your application, explain your financial need for consideration. Ensure that you prepare a clear and coherent itemized budget. Along with each item, provide a brief description of how the funds will be utilized.
How the Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships is Judged
HUGS only offers the grant to students from minority backgrounds who intend to study archaeology. In addition, you must demonstrate passion in the field and possess exemplary grades. Finally, you will be required to certify that you have never been sued for discrimination or harassment or are currently under such disciplinary action.
Why We Love the Student Excellence in Archaeology Scholarships
Financial aid covers summer coursework
The HUGS grant is one of the few that covers summer coursework. This will help you pay for expenses incurred during field or lab training and some other out-of-pocket expenses.
Empowers you to get field training
The grant helps you pay for expenses incurred in the field. You get to train under a professional archaeologist conducting a real-world study.
You join a vast network of professionals
A key perk of the HUGS scholarship is the opportunity to form life-long friendships with their mentors and peers.
5 Facts About the Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship
Helps launch the careers of minority students
Historically underrepresented students tend to be adversely affected by a lack of funds during their studies. The HUGS grant empowers students from minority backgrounds to complete their study programs and prepare for fruitful careers in archaeology.
Promotes academic and workplace diversity
By extending financial aid to minority students, HUGS gives a chance to bright students who would otherwise have been burdened by fees and other academic expenses, assisting them to undertake and complete their study programs and join the greater archaeological workforce.
Has a fair and just selection process
The Minority Scholarships Committee of the Society For American Archaeology (SAA) oversees the selection of applicants and considers their applications based on impeccable grades, character, and demonstrated passion for the field of archaeology.
Addresses underrepresentation of minority groups in archaeology
HUGS recognizes that minority groups have been largely marginalized in American archaeology, consequently creating devastating imbalances in research, its interpretations, and communication.
The grants are transparent and donor supported
The SAA Minority Scholarship Fund provides support for the HUGS financial aid, which is in turn sustained by individual well-wisher donations, archaeology book royalty donations, and various corporate partnerships.