Boston College established the Amanda V. Houston Fellowship—named in honor of the University's first Black Studies Program Director—in 1993. The purpose of this highly-prestigious University award is to further prepare Boston College undergraduates of African descent for leadership in the United States and in the world at large by enriching their personal and educational development through travel. Consistent with Amanda Houston's lifelong role as a universal educator, community leader, and mentor, the Houston Fellowship underwrites travel-study experiences that contribute to the personal and intellectual growth of its recipients.
Boston College sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who have a strong record of university and/or black community involvement are invited to apply.
The Amanda V. Houston Fellowship provides a maximum of $3,500 toward domestic or international travel, including transportation, lodging, meals, and research-related expenses. The award must be used between June 1 and January 20 of the fellowship year, to facilitate either independent study (under faculty supervision) or participation in a recognized study-abroad program that earns at least 6 units of academic credit. The Fellowship may also be used to partially offset the costs of a semester or year abroad.
Applications are available in the Deans Offices of A&S CSOM, LSOE, and CSON, and also in the University Fellowships Office, AHANA Student Programs, Center for International Programs and Partnerships, Black Studies Program, ODSD, and Learning to Learn. Consult the website for the African and African Diaspora Program for the February application deadline.
Informational meetings will be held in September, November, and January to discuss the fellowship and answer any questions potential applicants may have. In addition, applicants considering travel abroad should check the various informational sessions organized by the Center for International Programs and Partnerships.
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Students have used their Amanda V. Houston awards in many ways. Cietta Kiandoli '99 |
Upon notification of selection, the recipient must make all necessary academic and travel preparations in consultation with the appropriate Boston College personnel before any funds are disbursed. All travel and post-travel requirements must be completed by April 15 of the fellowship year. Upon his/her return, the fellowship recipient will:
- Make a formal presentation to the Boston College community during the spring of the senior year detailing his/her travel experience;
- File a written report describing how s/he used the award, and how it enhanced his/her educational experience;
- Assist the Selection Committee in reviewing applications for the following year's Houston Fellowship.
Interested students should contact the BC Campus Coordinator for the Houston Fellowship at the beginning of the Fall semester, to learn about informational meetings and to begin preparing their applications.