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 an 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.

During the one-month internship, 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.)

During the third week of June, interns will be joined by the Mellon Scholars workshop participants. This week focuses on professional development and features presentations from academic scholars as well as university administrators. Students will receive professional feedback on their personal statements and CVs/résumés. Students will also visit several local cultural institutions to learn about the rich cultural and historical offerings in Philadelphia.

• The Mellon Scholars Internship Program (one-month program in June). Interns will be rising seniors or recent college graduates and will receive a $2,000 stipend. Travel and housing provided by the Library Company.
• The Mellon Scholars Summer Workshop (one-week in June) is a one-week professional development program. Workshop participants will be students in their first year of graduate study in an MA program or advanced undergraduates. Participants will receive a $500 stipend. Travel and housing provided by the Library Company.

Applications

The Mellon Scholars Internship Program and Summer Workshop will not be offered in 2024. Please return to this page for updates about plans for summer 2025.

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.