PUBLIC SCHOLARS PROJECT

The opportunity for these significant conversations is key in public humanities. Community members should have a chance to learn about new topics and explore shared history, values, culture, and beliefs, with the support and benefit of a scholarly perspective.

With nearly 100 programs and over 60 scholars, the PSP reaches many New Jersey citizens. Each year, we commit to subsidizing programs for at least 200 humanities presentations to be hosted by New Jersey nonprofits on a first come, first served basis. With the exception of a nominal $50 administrative fee, which is 10% of the total program cost, the program is provided at no charge to the host site for the subsidized awards.

Once all the subsidies are awarded, nonprofit organizations can book a scholar event for $500. For profit companies and other organizations can book a scholar event for $500 at any time.​ Click here to learn more about booking a fee-based PSP program.

Groups that do not meet our eligibility requirements that wish to apply for a subsidized PSP session may partner with an eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit or government organization.

Programs are frequently hosted by libraries, historical societies, museums, civic associations, public agencies, senior centers, and other community groups. All organizations that apply must agree to keep the program free and open to the public. If the program is hosted at a site that requires an admission fee, regular entrance fees may be collected but no additional fee may be charged for the program.

Host sites must be barrier free and handicap accessible.

NJCH is accepting applications for PSP for programs that take place up between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. All applications must be submitted at least six weeks before the earliest requested date.

Eligible organizations will be able to host one* subsidized program during this period.

*Organizations booking a program from the “Women’s Suffrage and Beyond” category qualify for two subsidized PSP programs while funding is available.  Contact NJCH for more information.

We encourage you to take your audience into consideration when booking a program.

Applications must be submitted through our online application system at least six weeks before the earliest requested program date. Once NJCH receives your application, you will be emailed within five business days with the scholar’s contact information and further instructions.

Contact the program scholar to schedule the program and to review details and logistics, including anticipated audience needs, directions, parking, equipment, and materials.

Once the program details have been finalized, send an email to publicscholars@njhumanities.org confirming the finalized program details, including date, time, venue location, and marketing strategies.

After NJCH receives the finalized program information, you will receive an email that contains a confirmation letter, links to planning and outreach materials, and an invoice for the $50 administration fee. Please review them and contact NJCH staff if you have any questions.

Review the PSP Checklist for guidelines on outreach, publicity, and hosting your program. Additional information on how to promote your program can be found in the Marketing Manual. Both documents are available on our Resources page.

The final report and $50 administrative fee are due one month after the event date. Instructions on how to submit the final report and fee will be included in the follow-up materials.

Be sure to visit the Public Scholars Project Frequently Asked Questions!

1. Our scholars do their best to accommodate your requested dates, but organizations frequently end up scheduling their programs on a different date and time than was originally requested.

2. It is important to clearly communicate to the scholar the actual start time of the program, particularly if you are planning on holding the program in conjunction another event.

3. While we realize you may need to reschedule your event, you are required to inform both the speaker and NJCH of any changes. If you need to cancel your program the day of the event, please give the speaker sufficient notice.

Visit our Calendar of Events to see the program information, as well as date, time, and location details.