May 22, 2017 - The American Historical Association (AHA) and the American Philosophical Association (APA) are pleased to announce the receipt of an $80,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to direct "Extending the Reach of Scholarly Society Work to HBCU Faculty," an initiative to improve access by philosophy and history faculty at historically black colleges and universities to the resources and networks provided by scholarly societies.

The project was initiated to explore how scholarly societies can offer professional development opportunities that address particular needs of faculty at under-resourced HBCUs, and how HBCU faculty can contribute to and improve the work of scholarly societies. The AHA and APA will work jointly to convene a steering committee and focus groups that will investigate the educational and professional implications of these lower participation rates and work towards deeper collaboration between scholarly societies and HBCUs.

"Extending the Reach of Scholarly Society Work to HBCU Faculty" will begin activities in July 2017 and extend through March 2019. Julia Brookins, special projects coordinator at the AHA, will serve as principal investigator, with assistance from AHA and APA staff.

The American Historical Association is the largest professional organization serving historians in all fields and all professions. Founded in 1884, the AHA has become a trusted voice for history education, the professional work of historians, and the critical role of historical thinking in public life.

Founded in 1900, the American Philosophical Association promotes the discipline and profession of philosophy, both within the academy and in the public arena. The APA supports the professional development of philosophers at all levels and works to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the value of philosophical inquiry.