Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Memorial Scholarship

Open to Graduate Students

The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora, educational leadership, or related fields. Deadline: 12/31/2025

Named after Dr. Niara Sudarkasa (1938‒2019), this scholarship celebrates her remarkable achievements as an anthropologist, educator, Africanist, and trailblazing university president—specifically in her pioneering roles at Columbia, NYU, Michigan, and Lincoln University, as well as her impact on Africana studies. The award supports graduate students pursuing advanced research in anthropology, Africana/African American studies, African diaspora, educational leadership, or related fields.

Annual funding totaling $2,500 (paid to the academic institution) to a single recipient.

Recommended Eligibility Criteria:

• Graduate standing – Enrolled full-time in a master’s or doctoral program.
• Field of study – Focused on anthropology, African/African-American studies (including interdisciplinary studies with a focus in African/African American studies), higher education leadership, international relations, or related disciplines.
• Academic excellence – Minimum 3.0 GPA (or equivalent).
• Leadership & impact – Evidence of community engagement, activism, or promoting diversity—mirroring Dr. Sudarkasa’s dedication to supporting marginalized voices.
• Residency – Preference given to applicants who graduated high school in either Palm Beach, Miami, or Broward Counties.

Submission should include:

• Academic transcript(s)
• CV or résumé
• Personal statement (500 words max) on how your work continues Dr. Sudarkasa’s legacy
• Research proposal (1,000–1,500 words) outlining objectives, methods, and relevance to her fields
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member and/or administrator at your institution

Deadline:
All materials must be emailed to AARLCC@broward.org with the subject line “Sudarkasa Scholarship” by midnight on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Announcement:
January 20, 2026

Upcoming Events