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

October 1, 2025 (Self-nomination / nomination submission deadline)

Honorary award; no monetary prize specified.

Recognizes AIA members for outstanding public engagement and outreach to non-specialist audiences in archaeology.

Activities must be outside regular job duties and conducted between September 2024–August 2025.

--- ## Description The Public Engagement Award from the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) honors current AIA members—including professionals, K-12 educators, and students—for exceptional outreach and engagement activities that reach non-specialist audiences. The award is designed to recognize meaningful contributions that foster public understanding and appreciation of archaeology through virtual or in-person events and partnerships. Eligible activities may include work with K-12 classrooms, senior centers, community groups, museums, libraries, and other diverse learners. The recognition highlights efforts that go beyond regular professional responsibilities. --- ## Due Dates - October 1, 2025: Self-nomination / nomination submission deadline (for activities conducted September 2024–August 2025) Awardees will be notified in November 2025 and recognized at the AIA Annual Meeting in January 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - This is an honorary award; there is no monetary prize or direct funding associated with this recognition. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all current AIA members in the following categories: - Professional members - K-12 educator members - Student members - Activities must: - Be conducted between September 2024 and August 2025 - Consist of at least 12 hours of public engagement work **and/or** participation in three separate public engagement events - Be outside of the nominee's regular professional duties (e.g., standard classroom teaching or routine museum education work does not qualify) - Public engagement is defined as outreach or partnerships (virtual or in-person) benefiting non-specialist audiences such as: - K-12 classrooms - Senior centers - Community organizations - Museum visitors - Library patrons - Other diverse learner groups --- ## Application Process - Submit a self-nomination or nomination via the [online nomination form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchUAHBxE1OiInTpd1wwYw6QhNDJewtTJfIgLrI0S9gDqrKgg/viewform) by October 1, 2025. - Required materials and information include: - Contact details and AIA membership number - Description of public engagement activities, including: - Audience type and demographics - Goals and learning outcomes - Locations and event details - Estimated number of people engaged - Total number of events and hours spent (including prep/travel) - Explanation of how the activities are outside regular job duties - Supporting links or promotional materials (optional) - Nominations are reviewed by the AIA Outreach and Education Committee. --- ## Additional Information - This is the inaugural cycle for the Public Engagement Award. - Recognition will occur at the AIA Annual Meeting in January 2026. - The award is designed to highlight and encourage impactful public engagement efforts by AIA members. --- ## External Links - [AIA Public Engagement Award Program Page](https://www.archaeological.org/grant/public-engagement-award/) - [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 | Web Contact | |-------------|------------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | Jen Thum | jennifer_thum@harvard.edu | — | [AIA Contact Page](https://www.archaeological.org/contact/) | | AIA Office | ebailey@archaeological.org | 857-305-9350 | [AIA Main Website](https://www.archaeological.org) |

Public Engagement Award

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