Apply To Be a Preservation Scholar
Applications are now open for the 2026 Preservation Scholars Program.
Deadline for applications is 11:59 pm on February 20, 2026.
Applications should include completed online application form, resume, two letters of recommendations, and unofficial transcripts in order to be considered.
2026 PRESERVATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM - APPLY HEREProgram Eligibility
If you’re interested in learning how you can apply your degree to historic preservation, the Preservation Scholars Program could be for you! It doesn’t matter if you study history, graphic design, economics, community and regional planning, or accounting.
This program is for you if you:
- Are a student from an underrepresented ethnic or cultural community; AND
- Attend a college in Texas, OR are a Texas resident attending school out of state, OR are a college senior or recent graduate who has been accepted into a graduate program (proof of application or acceptance to a graduate program will be required); AND
- Will have completed 50 or more credit hours upon starting the internship; AND
- Have a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 system or a comparable GPA; AND
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; AND
- Have not been a Preservation Scholar before.
Program Touchstones
The Preservation Scholars Program includes:
- A 10-week PAID internship at the Texas Historical Commission.
- Completion of a project with a set of deliverables completed (selected from a list that will be provided during the application process).
- Working at the Austin headquarters or in the field at historic sites (select projects may allow remote participation).
- Multiple networking opportunities for the Preservation Scholars’ cohort.
- Weekly “Brown Bag Presentations” from national, state, and local preservation professionals or organizations outside of the THC.
- Opportunities for publication of work on the THC and the FTHC websites and/or publications.
- An interim progress report from the students.
- A final presentation by the students to the Friends of the Texas Historical Commission Board of Trustees.
Virtual Information Sessions
Virtual information sessions for our 2026 application cycle are as follows (please click on the links to register for a session).
SESSION 1 – December 3, 2025 | 10:00 AM
SESSION 2 – January 16, 2026 | 3:00 PM
SESSION 3 – February 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM
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