Diversity Internship Program

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) seeks to increase the diversity of professionals working in historic preservation, acknowledge the variety of cultures that enrich Texas’ heritage, and engage a wider range of organizations and communities in supporting efforts to protect and preserve the history of our state.

The Diversity Internship was created to build interest in and awareness of historic preservation, specifically among students from underrepresented ethnic groups. This initiative targets undergraduate students to encourage their interest in pursuing fields of study in history, preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, archeology, downtown revitalization and heritage tourism. Students will also learn about the impact that historic preservation programs can have on a community’s economic development.

Program Goals

Increase the representation of all cultural and ethnic groups in historic preservation careers
Increase the number of historic and cultural resources associated with the state’s diverse cultural history that are identified, documented, preserved and interpreted
Increase the number of diverse organizations and communities involved in the historic preservation field and served by public and private preservation programs.

Diversity Interns will complete a rotation amongst all divisions headquartered in Austin and then complete a special project in a division of their choice. Diversity Interns will receive a $5,000 stipend provided by the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, for an eight week internship (40-hour week).

Interns will work under the supervision of the THC, at its headquarters in Austin and/or “in the field” with its historic sites, an associated preservation organization such as a Main Street program, a heritage tourism program, a history museum or a historical association. Brief progress reports will be required, both during the employment period and at the conclusion of the student’s internship.

Working with THC staff and programs will expose the Interns to the various and exciting vocational opportunities in the field of historic preservation, with the goal of encouraging more students from underrepresented ethnic groups to pursue careers in this field upon graduation. In return, the THC and its partner organizations will have the opportunity to meet promising young people who might choose to work in this field.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens of African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Native American/Hawaiian/Alaskan heritage
College junior level or above
Attending a college or university in Texas, or a Texas resident attending school out-of-state
Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system (or comparable GPA)
Prior recipients are ineligible

Due to special funding, we especially encourage applications from:

Students of landscape architecture;
Students from the following counties in East Texas: Angelina, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Cherokee, Trinity, or Tyler; and
Students attending Stephen F. Austin State University or Angelina College.