Awards & Scholarships
RCD Special Projects Fund
Majors and minors in the RCD's programs (Africana, American, Asian American, Colonialism, Latinx, Native American and Indigenous Studies, and Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora Studies) may apply for this fund in order to defray the cost of attending a conference to present a paper (sophomores through seniors); to enroll (as a sophomore or junior) in a pedagogical opportunity, workshop, or course focused on the thematic issues at the core of the RCD's mission and that will enhance your work within your RCD major/minor; or to conduct research outside of the Boston area for a project within your major/minor (sophomores through seniors). Seniors applying for these funds must demonstrate that they will support their work in the majors/minors during their senior year (i.e. the funds cannot be used for work to be done after graduation). Students may apply up to two times and only once per academic year. In order to be eligible for these funds you must submit a 1-page proposal, which you should attach to application, describing the undertaking, why it is relevant to your major/minor, including a statement indicating the amount of funding requested and how the funds will be used. You must also include the name of your major/minor advisor whose endorsement will be sought upon receipt of your proposal. A typical award will be approx. $250.
Special projects fund application
RCD Essay Prize
Undergraduate students in the Department of Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora are invited to submit a piece of work for consideration for the annual RCD Essay Prize, which carries a $500 prize. The award is open to majors and minors in the department, as well as any undergraduate student who took a course in the department. Submissions may include research papers, essays, or creative works.
2025-2026 deadline extended! Submissions are due by Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5pm.