Penn State Penn State: College of the Liberal Arts

Why Should I Become a Public Humanities Fellow?

 

Make art and digital media for social change

  • Create your own hands-on multimedia project on a social justice topic that matters to you

  • Develop community partnerships and public engagement skills

  • Learn art and media production skills in podcasting, documentary film, web design, and public art

  • Receive mentorship and training in the growing field of Public Humanities 

  • Gain professional development and leadership skills applicable to careers in the Humanities and beyond (community organizations; museums and curating, the arts, communication, and more)

  • Connect with a network of Public Humanities fellows, faculty, and partners creating social change

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“The Humanities Institute fellowship exposed me to a powerful variation of art and media projects that are focused on how we can come together as communities to make a positive difference in our society. The group projects helped me see how my work as a student can shed light on different issues around the world. By experiencing public humanities in the classroom setting, I found new ways to use my media skills to engage in my community and in the betterment of that community.”

Jordan Dawson
Penn State University ’22, Strategic Planning Intern | PHF Project: Behind County Lines

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“The Public Humanities Fellowship changed the way I think about the humanities, my career, and the world in general. The class really motivates you to create media that actually matters and positively benefits the public.”

Carson Spence
Penn State University ’21, Film-Video Student | PHF Project: The Film Files Podcast

Headshot of Sara.

“Public Humanities showed me that there’s a space in the world where my studies and personal passions can intersect, and be honored. I’ve learned that creativity and social justice go hand in hand, and there are so many ways to tell meaningful stories that positively impact people’s lives. The support I’ve received through the Institute has given me direction far beyond school, and really embodies the wholesomeness of the humanities.”

Sara Jacques
Penn State University ’20, Public Relations, African American Studies | PHF Project: Whiteness

“The Public Humanities Fellowship first appealed to me because of its seemingly endless room for potential. I came in with a background of social justice and activism and a desire to figure out how I could apply it meaningfully in an academic setting, which the program provided. The freedom to explore my personal interests and passions was well-supported by an interdisciplinary look at the humanities from the public and digital perspectives, both of which were new to me but became familiar as an umbrella for things such as performance art, transformative documentaries and short films, and interactive websites and archives. Ultimately, the program opened up a field and path that I knew I could pursue and utilize post-grad, because there are few things that can’t be considered as or connected to public humanities in a meaningful way.”

Kyra Gines
Penn State University ’23, Spanish | PHF Project: Shakespeare is a Black Girl

“As someone who is passionate about cultural life (social justice, history) as well as media production (film, art), the Public Humanities Fellowship provided both elements as an engaging experience that allowed me to develop skills beyond academia. Not only was I given the opportunity to engage with students and individuals outside of my major and curriculum, I was able to freely pursue social topics that aim to engage, support, or educate the public. The mentorship and interactions I’ve received through the Fellowship have given me valuable lessons on humanities research, partnership, and media content throughout my college career and professional development.”

Alexi Om
Penn State University ’24, Comparative Literature; Chinese | PHF Project: Late Night Ethnic Foods of State College

“The Public Humanities Fellowship inspired me to take creative risks and craft high quality, socially-conscious media projects. Faculty in the program pushed me to be a better storyteller while supporting my professional needs at every stage of the production process. The fellowship community welcomes diverse perspectives by fostering a brave space for all of us to bring our true selves. Anyone interested in forward-thinking, responsible media engagement should apply!”

Charles Irvin
Penn State University ’26, Film Production | PHF Project: For the Future