Historic Initiative to Reform Humanities Graduate Education

ACLS Leads Groundbreaking Initiative for Humanities Education

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is set to embark on a transformative three-year initiative aimed at reshaping graduate education in the humanities. This ambitious project comes in collaboration with esteemed partners including the American Historical Association, the Modern Language Association, and the Society of Biblical Literature. The initiative, titled "Graduate Education in the Humanities: A National Convening," seeks to address the pressing challenges faced by humanities programs across the country.

Funding and Collaboration

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is participating in this endeavor by providing substantial funding, totaling up to $500,000, which may be paired with additional contributions from non-government parties, resulting in a project budget of $1 million. This financial support is crucial as graduate humanities programs navigate budgetary constraints and shifts within academic institutions.

Engaging Key Stakeholders

Through this initiative, ACLS and the NEH aim to partner with a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes nearly 100 professional academic associations, executives from the top institutions responsible for the majority of humanities PhDs in the United States, as well as liberal arts and community colleges. This collaborative effort is vital for pooling insights and developing solutions tailored to improve humanities graduate education.

Focus on Inclusive Improvement

The reform initiative prioritizes the enhancement of the graduate education experience for all students, especially first-generation college graduates and those from underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering a more inclusive academic environment, ACLS and the NEH aspire to elevate the value of humanities education among public audiences.

Transformative Goals Amid Challenges

In her remarks, ACLS President Joy Connolly emphasized the importance of seizing the moment to initiate positive change. She noted that as humanities programs face unprecedented challenges, this collaboration presents a unique opportunity for scholars and educators to come together. The goal is to improve various aspects of graduate programs, including financial aid, recruitment, and degree requirements, ensuring they are rigorous and responsive to the needs of students.

Create a Sustainable Impact

A significant focus of the initiative is the establishment of a network where stakeholders can share resources and best practices. This includes addressing broader issues that affect graduate students, from financial support to job preparedness. By fostering cooperation among numerous academic entities, the ACLS and its partners aim to create lasting positive change in the landscape of graduate education.

Long-Term Vision

As the project progresses toward its formal gathering in 2027, ACLS will articulate the profound benefits of a robust humanities education to both academic and public audiences. This outreach is essential for reshaping public perceptions and demonstrating the societal contributions of humanities scholars.

About the American Council of Learned Societies

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has been a leading figure in supporting and representing American scholarship in the humanities for nearly a century. With a commitment to the idea that knowledge truly is a public good, they advocate for the advancement of scholarly pursuits that underscore diversity in experience and identity. Through partnerships with various institutions and organizations, ACLS continues to foster an enriching environment for humanities scholarship.

About the National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities, established as an independent federal agency, plays a vital role in promoting research and education in the humanities. By funding peer-reviewed proposals from scholars nationwide, NEH reinforces the importance of understanding history, literature, and philosophy. Their efforts are deeply aligned with ACLS's mission, aiming to enhance humanities education at all levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the ACLS initiative?

The ACLS initiative aims to reform graduate education in the humanities by collaborating with various educational organizations to address systemic challenges and enhance the value of humanities degrees.

Who are the partners involved in this project?

Key partners include the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Historical Association, the Modern Language Association, and the Society of Biblical Literature.

How is funding structured for this initiative?

The initiative is supported by up to $500,000 from the NEH, with additional funding from non-government sources, totaling a project budget of $1 million.

What are the main focus areas of the initiative?

The project focuses on improving financial aid, recruitment practices, degree requirements, and academic outcomes while promoting inclusivity for diverse student populations.

When will the national convening take place?

The formal national convening is scheduled for 2027, where the findings and recommendations from the initiative will be presented and discussed.

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