2023 BSOS Summer Research Initiative &
The University of Maryland’s 1856 Project
Application Due Date: Mar 1, 2023
Overview
The University of Maryland’s 1856 Project, in collaboration with the BSOS Summer Research Initiative (SRI), seeks rising juniors and seniors to participate in an 8-week (June 5-July 28, 2023) research internship. 1856 Project SRI scholars will work with the Maryland Libraries Special Collections and University Archives in the historical exploration of the slave economy and how slavery operated in the immediate vicinity of the Maryland Agricultural College (MAC, now the University of Maryland). 1856 Project summer interns will work as part of a team led by Dr. Christopher Bonner (Department of History), Dr. Barnet Pavão-Zuckerman (Department of Anthropology), Lae’l Hughes-Watkins (University Archivist) and Doug McElrath (Director, Special Collections & University Archives).
Program Dates
The 2023 SRI 1856 Project program dates are Monday, June 5, 2023 - Friday, July 28, 2023. However, all participants are required to arrive at our College Park campus on Saturday, June 3rd, for the required 2-day pre-program orientation (Saturday and Sunday).
The 2023 SRI 1856 Project program dates are Monday, June 5, 2023 - Friday, July 28, 2023. However, all participants are required to arrive at our College Park campus on Saturday, June 3rd, for the required 2-day pre-program orientation (Saturday and Sunday).
Program Activities
The 1856 Program research internship is a special track offered within the BSOS SRI. The BSOS SRI is a residential summer research internship designed to prepare participants for graduate school in the social and behavioral sciences. Participants are required to live in university housing for the summer along with other SRI scholars, from other disciplines, who are likewise, placed in various other research projects throughout the College. Additional program activities include participation in professional development workshops and seminars, professional networking activities, SRI program meetings, etc. At the end of the summer, all SRI scholars present their research at the program’s culminating research poster session. 1856 SRI scholars will also be expected to disseminate their work via digital media.
The 1856 Program research internship is a special track offered within the BSOS SRI. The BSOS SRI is a residential summer research internship designed to prepare participants for graduate school in the social and behavioral sciences. Participants are required to live in university housing for the summer along with other SRI scholars, from other disciplines, who are likewise, placed in various other research projects throughout the College. Additional program activities include participation in professional development workshops and seminars, professional networking activities, SRI program meetings, etc. At the end of the summer, all SRI scholars present their research at the program’s culminating research poster session. 1856 SRI scholars will also be expected to disseminate their work via digital media.
Program Benefits
- $3,000 stipend for the entire summer (8 weeks)
- Travel to UMD and back home for out-of-state participants
- Housing from June 3 – July 28 - This is a residential internship and all participants must agree to live in the internship housing during the internship period.
- Group dinners provided to SRI scholars Monday – Friday
- $780 meal allowance to cover breakfast, lunch, snacks, and weekend meals for 8 weeks
- Professional development and graduate application preparation workshops and seminars
- Research mentoring by faculty and professional development mentoring by SRI staff
- Professional networking and relationship building
- Application fee waivers for those who apply to graduate school at the University of Maryland
Application Instructions
Step 1: Review The 1856 Project Statement of Interest Instructions and prepare application materials
To be considered for The 1856 Project, all applicants must submit the application, which consists of submitting a copy of your transcripts, your résumé or curriculum vita (c.v.), and your statement of interest. These documents must be ready to upload at the time you begin the application. Therefore, we urge you to carefully review the Statement of Interest Instructions and prepare your application materials before you begin the application.
Step 1: Review The 1856 Project Statement of Interest Instructions and prepare application materials
To be considered for The 1856 Project, all applicants must submit the application, which consists of submitting a copy of your transcripts, your résumé or curriculum vita (c.v.), and your statement of interest. These documents must be ready to upload at the time you begin the application. Therefore, we urge you to carefully review the Statement of Interest Instructions and prepare your application materials before you begin the application.
Step 2: Submit The 1856 Project Application
Once you have carefully reviewed the instructions and prepared your application materials, you may submit The 1856 Project Application and upload your completed résumé/CV, your transcripts, and your statement of interest.
Once you have carefully reviewed the instructions and prepared your application materials, you may submit The 1856 Project Application and upload your completed résumé/CV, your transcripts, and your statement of interest.
Step 3: Submit two letters of recommendations
Two letters of recommendations are required as part of The 1856 Project application. Preferred letters of recommendations come from faculty professors/instructors or academic mentors who can speak to your academic achievements, abilities, character and goals. Please ask recommenders to submit their letters of recommendation to the SRI coordinator, Ms. Brittney Robinson (bsossri@umd.edu).
TIP: Provide recommenders with all necessary materials to prepare your letter (deadline, copies of your resume/cv, essays, and transcripts).
Deadlines
Submit all application materials, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and résumé or curriculum vita (CV), in advance of the deadline (March 1, 2023). You can access The 1856 Project application link and statement of interest instructions below:
Please direct questions to the SRI Coordinator, Ms. Brittney Robinson at bsossri@umd.edu
