I am pleased to announce the continuation of the Rutgers/Puerto Rico Archival Collaboration (PRAC) Summer Graduate Intern Program for 2024. Having successfully hosted self-funding students in 2022 and 2023, we are excited to offer this enriching opportunity once again. The program is tentatively scheduled to take place from July 15 to August 23, providing a valuable platform for aspiring scholars interested in conducting research in Puerto Rico.
Internship Overview:
The PRAC Summer Graduate Intern Program offers participants unparalleled access to archival collections, as well as invaluable interactions with the esteemed staff at the Archivo General de Puerto Rico (AGPR) and the Colección Puertorriqueña (CPR) at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). Over the course of six weeks, interns will engage in a multifaceted experience, combining hands-on work at the AGPR with dedicated time for personal research endeavors.
Internship Activities:
Interns will spend three days each week at the AGPR, where they will contribute to the organization and cataloging of archival materials. Under the guidance of experienced archivists such as Pedro Roig, interns will undertake tasks ranging from sorting and cleaning to re-boxing and inventorying documents. Past projects have included the organization of extensive collections such as the Fomento Industrial collection and materials from the Fortaleza Collection, among others.
In addition to their work at the AGPR, interns will have two days each week to pursue their own research interests. The PRAC facilitates connections with relevant collections and provides ongoing support and mentorship to help interns develop their projects.
Benefits of Participation:
Participants will gain firsthand exposure to the rich historical legacy of Puerto Rico through access to the AGPR’s extensive collections, which span over five centuries of history. Moreover, interns will benefit from personalized guidance, networking opportunities, and advice from seasoned scholars and institutions within the Puerto Rican academic community.
Application Details:
- Reading proficiency in Spanish is essential for all applicants.
- Interested students must submit their application form by May 10.
- Professor Aldo Lauria Santiago and PRAC supporters will conduct an orientation session on research resources in Puerto Rico and will be available for individual consultations to discuss goals and research interests.
- At the conclusion of the six-week program, interns will be required to produce a blog detailing their internship experiences.
Financial Considerations:
While participants are encouraged to seek financial support from their respective institutions, selected applicants may be eligible for funding provided by sponsors to cover living and travel expenses. A budget of at least $3500 is recommended to cover travel and living costs for the duration of the program. Participants are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation.
How to Apply:
Interested graduate students are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Although applicants are advised to explore potential funding sources, there is a possibility that funding may be available for select candidates.
Further Information:
For updates, news, and student blogs related to the PRAC, please visit our website.
Spread the Word:
Please feel free to share this announcement with faculty and graduate students who may be interested in this opportunity. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at alauria@lcs.rutgers.edu.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to welcoming a new cohort of interns to the PRAC Summer Graduate Intern Program in 2024.
Warm regards,
Aldo Lauria Santiago
alauria@rutgers.edu
Director, Puerto Rico Archival Collaboration Project
Director, Rutgers Center for Latin American Studies
Professor of History and Latino Studies
Rutgers University, New Brunswick