Become A Road Scholar

FHC accepts applications year round from humanities professionals who would like to participate in the Road Scholars program. Positions are time-limited, rotating yearly. To apply, please carefully read the overview for applicants and fill out the Road Scholars application below. For more information, contact Julie Henry Matus, Program Coordinator, at jhm@flahum.org or 727-873-2002 or Karen Jackson, Program Assistant, at kjackson@flahum.org or 727-873-2009.

Click to apply for Road Scholars

Overview for Applicants

Purpose
The mission of Road Scholars is to offer public humanities programs that engage and inform Floridians about the heritage, traditions and stories of our state and its place in the world. Topics are addressed from a range of perspectives, providing a context for critical thinking and discussion.

Road Scholars programs help bridge the gap between academia and the community by allowing the general public direct access to Florida’s best humanities scholars and by providing scholars with a forum to reach non-academic audiences.

Process
FHC selects scholars based on several factors: effectiveness in presenting to non-academic audiences, credentials, presentation format, humanities content, and how well the proposed topic fits with FHC’s mission and yearly program theme.

FHC publicizes programs on its Web site. Sponsoring organizations submit requests for Road Scholars programs through our online application. FHC books all programs with scholar approval—a scholar may accept or decline engagements according to his/her availability. Programs are scheduled statewide, so scholars are expected to travel. FHC pays scholars an honorarium for each program, and reimburses for travel expenses.

Eligibility
Applicants should be actively involved in the humanities in a professional capacity (teaching, researching, writing, etc.). University/college affiliation is not required—independent scholars are encouraged to apply.

Topics
Road Scholars presentations must be grounded in the humanities; programs that focus on Florida are of particular interest. Humanities disciplines include anthropology, archaeology, art history and criticism, comparative religion, ethics, history, jurisprudence, language, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and certain aspects of the social sciences.

Some examples of program formats include scholar/author discussions; music or folklore presentations; slide or film showings with discussion; and Chautauqua performances, where a scholar/actor portrays a literary or historical character.

Programs should be 30-45 minutes in length, and must incorporate audience discussion/dialogue, such as a Q&A period. Scholars may not advocate particular political, religious or social agendas, and programs can not be used for commercial activities.

Audiences
Program sponsors are non-profit organizations, such as libraries, historical societies, museums, civic organizations, retirement communities, and other community groups. Road Scholars programs are free and open to the public, and are designed for out-of-school adult audiences.

Click to apply for Road Scholars