About the Program
Sullivan Scholars receive a stipend of up to $4000 per year to work in a museum or related setting. Museum Scholars may also use the funds for travel to conferences or other related projects. The funds can be drawn throughout the academic year and/or during summer break. Students accepted as a Sullivan Scholar are eligible for the stipend each year of participation in the program.
The Martin E. Sullivan Museum Scholars Program recognizes the contributions of the late Martin E. Sullivan. Dr. Sullivan was a nationally recognized museum professional whose career in museums spanned East and West, art and history, old and new. Dr. Sullivan served as Executive Director of Historic St. Mary’s City from 2000 until 2008 and, along with faculty in the College’s anthropology, art history, and history departments, designed the College’s Museum Studies Program.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time students at St. Mary’s College who have completed their first year by the time their scholarship year begins (First-year students may apply in the spring of their first year for awards that begin later that calendar year, but such students will only receive their award if they complete enough credits to become sophomores by the time their scholarship begins).
- Applicants must be declared Museum Studies minors by the application deadline. If you are not currently a declared minor, you can declare your intention through Portal.
- At the time of application, applicants will have completed or be enrolled in MUST 200 (Introduction to Museum Studies).
- Applicants are expected to have and to maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.3.
- Accepted applicants are expected to make progress toward completing the minor after their scholarship period ends.
Program Benefits
The Sullivan Scholars Program offers students an unprecedented opportunity to explore the fields related to Museum Studies. The program provides this opportunity in part through the creation of a small community of highly motivated and engaged student scholars interested in preserving and interpreting a wide range of public resources. The generous stipend that is available to all Sullivan Scholars can be used to travel to conferences, support unpaid work in an approved host institution, or offset expenses related to work in the field. Prospective scholars should discuss their plans for funds with the Program Coordinator or a Museum Studies faculty member, so their application statement and budget clearly describe the use of funds. Sullivan Scholars also participate in specially organized field trips and in small setting encounters with visiting scholars and fellows in the Museum Studies Program.
Responsibilities
How much is the Sullivan Scholar stipend?
When can the stipend be used?
Where can the stipend be used?
Students may use their stipend at any host site, including but not limited to Boyden Gallery and Historic St. Mary’s City. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities available at museums throughout the southern Maryland and beyond, especially if they plan to use the stipend during the summer. The Career Center has a list of currently approved Museum Studies internships. You may also see here for a list of places where past scholars and other Museum Studies minors have interned. Learn more about Internships
How do I get approval to use my stipend?
Approval is implicit in the awarding of the Scholarship, and successful applicants will complete paperwork before departing for the summer. To improve chances of a successful application, students are encouraged to discuss the details of their internship experience and their budget with the Museum Studies Program Coordinator or another member of the Museum Studies faculty prior to submitting their application.
What are typical reimbursement cost rates?
Typically, students participating in an unpaid internship or assistantship will be reimbursed $12.50 for every hour they are on-site at their host museum. Students who use their stipend for travel will be reimbursed standard travel costs according to the State of Maryland’s schedules. Students should be aware that State of Maryland guidelines for travel require pre-approval. Students who use their stipend to purchase supplies and materials will be reimbursed the cost of those items. Please note that the total sum of reimbursements cannot exceed $4000.
Can I use the stipend to support the required internship for a minor in museum studies?
Yes! Sullivan Scholars do not have to be enrolled in an internship for academic credit in order to receive funds. However, students may wish to explore a for-credit internship to satisfy Museum Studies minor requirements and other college requirements (including ELAW). For students applying for internship credit, the SMCM Career Center urges you to PLAN EARLY. The application process has been made more rigorous as part of the effort to elevate standards across the curriculum. Students enrolled in credit internships are required to complete additional work outside of the work environment to insure academic rigor and learning objectives. Please visit the Career Center to learn more about for-credit internships.
Application Process
To apply for standing as a Museum Scholar, you should submit:
- Submit a completed Application Form »
- A one to two page narrative
- Unofficial transcript (available off portal)
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty who know you and your work
Applications may be submitted either electronically or in hard copy. Send your completed application to the Coordinator of the Museum Studies Program.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Your signature and necessary attachments must be included.
Application Deadline
- Applications for projects are due by due March 22, 2024 and will be reviewed by April 15, 2024.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to discuss their proposed application in advance with a member of the Museum Studies Program faculty.
- Awards will be announced in late April.
Selection Process
The Museum Studies Program Coordinator screens all applications to ensure they are complete. Complete applications will then be reviewed by members of the Museum Studies Program steering committee and the director of the Center for the Study of Democracy. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, applications are evaluated based on how well the student explains the value of their proposed work to preserve and/or interpret public resources. Other considerations include a realistic proposed budget and the strength of the recommendations.