JNBC Practicum Grant Program
Structure of the program The mission of the public humanities program is to help connect academic communities and the broader public through history, art, and culture. In keeping with this mission, successful practicum projects will allow students to interface with the public either directly or indirectly, or result in a product that will enable the sponsoring organization to connect more effectively with its audience.
Examples of some of these projects include:
Developing educational or public programs
Researching and developing exhibitions
Conducting marketing research or studies
Coordinating oral history projects
Collections research, interpretation, cataloging, and conservation
Successful practicums allow students to apply their theoretical studies in a practical setting, while learning important professional skills.
While many institutions are in need of interns to complete basic and essential projects, we discourage students from accepting practicums that are strictly skills based, without a public or theoretical component. Projects of this type might include: collections cataloging, conservation, or rehousing that does not include an interpretive component; administrative, clerical, or retail sales work that does not include a significant contribution to the public mission of the organization; serving as a tour guide without a significant contribution to the development or implementation of broader public programs.
Mentors At least one experienced professional should closely supervise and mentor the practicum student, providing regular instruction, constructive feedback (including a final, written evaluation), and consistent attention throughout the practicum. The onsite supervisor is also responsible for ensuring that the practicum provides a substantial and challenging experience worthy of graduate-level instruction in a given field. A written work plan agreement, developed by and mutually agreeable to supervisors and students, should be finalized prior to the start of the practicum. Institutional supervisors are encouraged to consult with JNBC staff for information and assistance at any point during the process of set up or completion of a practicum.
JNBC practicum grant program Sponsoring institutions may be eligible for grants of up to $1,000 to support expenses associated with practicum projects. These grants, available on a competitive basis to a limited number of institutions, are meant to encourage institutions to undertake projects that might otherwise be too costly. Institutions may also use grant funds to provide financial support to the student. The stipends will be granted to institutions based upon the nature and quality of the proposed project, the quality and quantity of mentoring the student will receive, and the long-term usefulness of the project to both the institution and the student. Projects may be developed in consultation with the JNBC staff or with a prospective practicum student. Institutions may also submit proposals independently; the JNBC will attempt to match the requirements with interested qualified students. Stipends are available for practicum projects during either the academic year or the summer.
How to apply The application process can be adapted to meet the requirements of existing internship programs. Institutions and mentors may meet with the student and a faculty advisor prior to final acceptance of the project, and the institution must submit a written evaluation of the student’s performance. To apply, submit a 1-2 page narrative description of the project, stressing its value to both the institution and the student, and a one-page CV of the staff mentor(s). Applications for summer practicum projects are due by April 1; fall practicum grant proposals are due by July 1; and spring grant proposals are due by November 1. Applications can be e-mailed to JNBC@brown.edu.
Examples of organizations that have received funding through the JNBC practicum grant program:
Amistad Center for Art and Culture, Hartford, CT
Project Work on an exhibition on aging
California Council for the Humanities, Los Angeles, CA
Project Organizing program of oral histories
Cultural Organization of Lowell, Lowell, MA
Project Organizing educational programs for the Jack Kerouac exhibition
Little Compton Historical Society, Little Compton, RI
Project Curating exhibition on the Portuguese of Little Compton
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Project Contemporary art department curatorial research
Newport Historical Society (Buchanan / Burnham Internship), Newport, RI
Project Designing a new tour of African American sites and curating exhibition on William Ellery
New Urban Arts, Providence, RI
Project Designing arts programs for high school students
Rhode Island Foundation, Providence, RI
Project Rethinking Expansion Arts Program
Tribute WTC Visitor Center, New York, NY
Project Work on educational programs