The University of Memphis (UofM) and University of South Florida (USF) have announced $4.9 and $4.8 million grants each from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in support of humanities programs.

The five-year grants will support student internships and establish endowments to fund the programs in perpetuity. At UofM, the grant will support approximately 125-145 paid humanities internships annually as well as staff and faculty development by providing resources for two new staff positions in career services. At USF, most current internship partners are nonprofit organizations like museums, arts organizations, and human rights and environmental advocacy groups, which operate on lean budgets—the grant will help bridge the financial gap. Grants to both schools will allow interns to be paid $20 per hour.

“By providing resources and essential support services, this grant will empower more than 100 students to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and enhance their career prospects each year,” said UofM dean of the college of arts and sciences Abby Parrill-Baker.

“We are very excited about this partnership and the opportunity to make a lasting and transformational difference for our students—one we hope will be a model for other universities,” said USF dean of the college of arts and sciences Elizabeth Spiller.

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