[Society of American Archivists](https://www2.archivists.org)

February 2027 (application deadline)

Full registration, hotel, and travel expenses to attend the SAA Annual Meeting; plus a one-year SAA membership

Supports professional development and SAA engagement for archivists of color by funding attendance at the SAA Annual Meeting.

Applicants must be archivists of color with professional experience who have not previously attended the SAA Annual Meeting.

--- ## Description The Brenda S. Banks Travel Award is designed to recognize and support individuals of color with professional archival experience who are interested in becoming active members of the Society of American Archivists (SAA). The award aims to advance the objectives of SAA's Archivists and Archives of Color Section by providing opportunities for professional development and networking, as well as fostering increased participation in SAA by exposing first-time Annual Meeting attendees to the experience of attending national meetings. The award is named in honor of Brenda S. Banks, a Fellow and Past President of SAA and co-founder of the Archivists and Archives of Color Section. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected — all applications must be submitted by February 28 each year) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - One award is given per cycle. - The award covers: - Full complimentary registration to the SAA Annual Meeting - Hotel and travel expenses related to attending the meeting - Complimentary one-year membership in SAA --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be of American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander descent. - Have demonstrated professional archival experience. - Not have previously attended an SAA Annual Meeting. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online by the anticipated deadline (February 28). - Required materials: - Personal statement/essay (max 500 words) addressing: - Clarity of goals - Experience with or commitment to working with, or documenting and preserving, the histories of communities of color - Benefits of attending the SAA Annual Meeting - Commitment to SAA, diversity and inclusion, and the archival profession - CV or résumé - [Preview or apply for the award online](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45846-Society-Of-American-Archivists). --- ## Additional Information - Only one travel award may be received per applicant per cycle, even if applying for multiple SAA travel awards. - The award is sponsored by the SAA Archivists and Archives of Color Section and funded through the SAA Foundation. --- ## External Links - [Award program page and full description](https://www2.archivists.org/governance/handbook/section12-Brenda-S-Banks-Travel-Award) - [Application portal (SmarterSelect)](https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/45846-Society-Of-American-Archivists) - [SAA Awards and Scholarships Overview](https://www2.archivists.org/aboutsaa/awardsandscholarships) - [SAA Annual Meeting information](https://www2.archivists.org/am2026) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General SAA Inquiries | [Contact form](https://www2.archivists.org/contact) or call (312) 606-0722 | | Award Committee Chair | Katie Burns, Brenda S. Banks Travel Award Committee Chair: [kathryn.burns@sjsu.edu](mailto:kathryn.burns@sjsu.edu) | ---

Brenda S. Banks Travel Award

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