Mellon Scholars Program dates for 2026 to be announced soon.  

The Mellon Scholars Program, an initiative of the Library Company of Philadelphia’s Program in African American History, inspires, educates, and engages emergent scholars through educational and professional development training. Based at the Library Company and supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program includes a one-month residential internship and one-week professional development workshop. Both are designed to encourage and inspire talented students from underrepresented groups, as well as other emergent scholars interested in African American history, to explore careers in history, library science, and museum studies.

Specifically, the program will:

• Encourage talented undergraduates from underrepresented groups and those persons dedicated to the study of early African American history to pursue careers in history, library science, and museum studies and provide internships that will enhance their competitiveness when they apply to graduate schools.
• Strengthen the preparation of graduate students from these groups for independent research and help them be successful in seeking funding and jobs.

Mellon Scholars Interns will develop research skills and explore African American history by undertaking an independent research project that draws on the Library Company’s African American History collections, collaborating on an archival project that engages with primary sources, and publishing a blog post about their research. (Blog posts by past participants may be viewed here.)

Applications

Eligible candidates may apply for both the workshop and the internship. If you wish to apply for both opportunities, check both boxes on the application form. To apply:

• Go to the application page; fill out the online form and upload a single PDF document containing a brief resume and a 2-4 page personal statement describing future goals and how the internship or workshop would further those goals.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work should be sent to fellowships@librarycompany.org.
• In addition, official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) school transcripts should be mailed to: Library Company of Philadelphia, Attn: Mellon Scholars Internship and Workshop Committee, 1314 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Alternatively, transcripts may be emailed to fellowships@librarycompany.org.