[Archaeological Institute of America](https://www.archaeological.org)

October 2026 (self-nomination/application deadline, projected)

Honorary recognition; no monetary award

Recognizes AIA members for exceptional public engagement and outreach with non-specialist audiences in archaeology.

--- ## Description The Public Engagement Award, organized by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) Outreach and Education Committee, celebrates AIA members who have made outstanding contributions to public engagement through outreach and partnerships with non-specialist audiences. Public engagement activities may include both virtual and in-person collaborations that benefit K-12 classrooms, senior centers, community organizations, museum visitors, library patrons, and other diverse learners. The award is intended to highlight impactful outreach efforts that extend beyond the nominee’s regular professional duties. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected, self-nomination/application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - This is an honorary award; there is **no monetary prize** associated with this recognition. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all current professional, K-12 educator, and student members of the Archaeological Institute of America. - Eligible public engagement activities must: - Be conducted outside the nominee’s regular job duties (e.g., regular classroom teaching or museum education work as part of employment does not qualify). - Consist of a minimum of **12 hours** of public engagement work **and/or** participation in at least **three separate public engagement events**. - Engage non-specialist audiences such as K-12 classrooms, senior centers, community organizations, museums, libraries, or other diverse public groups. - Activities must be completed within the eligible period as defined by the annual cycle. --- ## Application Process - Self-nomination is required; nominations are submitted via the [online nomination form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchUAHBxE1OiInTpd1wwYw6QhNDJewtTJfIgLrI0S9gDqrKgg/viewform). - Applicants must provide: - Contact and AIA membership information. - Details and documentation of qualifying public engagement activities, including audience type, goals, location, and whether the engagement was part of a local AIA Society event. - An estimate of the total hours spent and/or number of events. - Explanation of how engagements were arranged and the approximate number of people reached. - Nominations are reviewed by the AIA Outreach and Education Committee. - Awardees are notified in the fall and recognized at the AIA Annual Meeting. --- ## Additional Information - The award is strictly honorary and does not include a financial component. - Activities must be outside the scope of regular professional responsibilities. - Both individual and collaborative outreach efforts are eligible, provided they meet the engagement criteria. --- ## External Links - [AIA Public Engagement Award Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/public-engagement-award/) - [Online Nomination Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchUAHBxE1OiInTpd1wwYw6QhNDJewtTJfIgLrI0S9gDqrKgg/viewform) - [AIA Grants & Awards Overview](https://www.archaeological.org/programs/professionals/grants-awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Contact Page | |--------------|-------------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Jen Thum | [jennifer_thum@harvard.edu](mailto:jennifer_thum@harvard.edu) | | | | General AIA | [ebailey@archaeological.org](mailto:ebailey@archaeological.org) | 857-305-9350 | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) |

Public Engagement Award

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