The Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program
The Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program is a free, Saturday academic enrichment program for youth focused on Black history, archives, and creative expression through research and the arts.
Funder: New York Public Library
Due Dates: June 15, 2026 (Priority) | June 29, 2026 (Final)
Funding Amounts: Tuition-free program; no monetary award; participation in intensive academic enrichment
Summary: Tuition-free Saturday academic program for youth (grades 6–12) focused on Black history, archives, and creative expression.
Key Information: For youth ages 12–18; program runs October–May on Saturdays in New York City.
Description
The Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program is a highly regarded, tuition-free Saturday academic program for youth in grades 6–12 (ages 12–18), hosted by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, part of the New York Public Library. The program fosters historical literacy, cultural pride, and creative expression through deep engagement with the Schomburg Center’s archives and resources. Participants attend college-style lectures, group discussions, project-based learning, and workshops, culminating in original research, writing, art portfolios, and multimedia projects. Each year’s curriculum is dynamic, aligning with current exhibitions and events, and includes lectures by leading authorities, arts workshops, professional development forums, educational tours, and an annual Youth Summit. The program centers Black history and heritage, providing a unique, in-depth opportunity for youth to explore African-American contributions to U.S. culture and society.
