NAP Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Archivists of African Descent to Advance Their Careers and Projects

The preservation of history, culture, and collective memory is a powerful tool for social justice, identity, and community empowerment. Recognizing the importance of inclusive archival practices, the Nomadic Archivists Project (NAP) has opened applications for the NAP Scholarship 2026, a unique opportunity designed to support emerging and independent archivists of African descent.

This annual scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and create access to professional development opportunities, enabling archivists to expand their skills, networks, and impact.

Applications for the 2026 cycle are currently open and must be submitted by March 31, 2026.

About the NAP Scholarship

The NAP Scholarship is a financial award of up to $1,500, granted annually to support:

• Students in archival studies
• Early-career archivists
• Independent archivists

The scholarship is specifically intended to help recipients either:

• Attend the Society of American Archivists (SAA) Annual Conference, or
• Fund an archival project that contributes to community memory and knowledge preservation

By investing in archivists, the program contributes to a more inclusive and representative archival field.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Access to professional opportunities in archival studies is often limited by financial constraints. Conferences, training programs, and project development require resources that many emerging archivists may not have.

The NAP Scholarship directly addresses these challenges by:

• Increasing access to professional networks
• Supporting skill development and education
• Enabling community-centered archival projects
• Promoting representation within archival institutions

The initiative emphasizes that access to information and opportunities is essential for equity in the archival field.

What the Scholarship Covers

Selected recipients can use the funding for a wide range of expenses, including:

• Conference registration fees
• Travel and accommodation
• Memberships in professional organizations
• Training programs and workshops
• Archival supplies and project materials
• Personal time dedicated to project development

This flexibility allows applicants to tailor the funding to their specific needs and career goals.

Program Impact and Vision

The NAP Scholarship is rooted in the belief that archivists play a critical role in shaping historical narratives and preserving marginalized voices.

Through this initiative, the Nomadic Archivists Project seeks to:

• Empower archivists of African descent globally
• Foster community-driven archival practices
• Encourage ethical and inclusive documentation
• Strengthen participation in professional archival spaces

The scholarship also highlights the importance of platforms like the Society of American Archivists (SAA), where archivists can:

• Share research and projects
• Build professional networks
• Participate in leadership opportunities
• Engage in workshops and training sessions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current undergraduate or graduate student, or an independent archivist
• Be of African descent
• Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in archives
• Show a clear financial need for the scholarship

Application Requirements

To be considered for the NAP Scholarship 2026, applicants must submit:

• A 500–750 word essay outlining:
  • Their interest in archival work, or
  • A proposed archival project
• A resume
• A professional headshot

Additional Requirement (if applicable):

• Applicants seeking funding for a project must include a detailed budget (e.g., supplies, travel, production costs)

Application Process

All applications must be submitted via email.

📧 Submission Email: miranda@nomadicarchivistsproject.com

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all required documents are complete and clearly presented before submission.

For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, applicants can contact Miranda Mims via the same email address.

Application Deadline

• Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2026

Late submissions may not be considered, so applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance.

Why You Should Apply

The NAP Scholarship offers more than financial support—it provides a platform for growth, visibility, and impact.

By applying, you gain the opportunity to:

• Advance your career in archival studies
• Bring your archival project to life
• Connect with leading professionals in the field
• Contribute to preserving and amplifying underrepresented histories

For aspiring archivists committed to community memory and social justice, this scholarship represents a meaningful step forward.

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