2025-2027 Graduate Public Scholars Program
Applications are now open until September 12th at 5:00 pm.
Program Details
The Curb Public Scholars program provides mentorship, resources, and support for graduate students to realize public-facing creative and/or arts-based projects. Public Scholars receive a two-year grant of $2,500; stipend of $1,500 for their participation ($750 disbursed in April 2026 upon successful completion of the first year, and $750 disbursed in April 2027 upon successful completion of their project); access to Curb Center materials, facilities, and equipment; and workshops with artists, scholars, and community leaders to support the completion of their project. Public Scholars will also receive support to present their work at a conference in the second year of their program.
Program Eligibility
The Public Scholars Program is a two-year program that selects a new cohort each year. The Public Scholars Program is open to Vanderbilt graduate students across disciplines who:
- Have completed at least one year of their degree and have at least two years remaining
- Have advisor’s approval to participate in the program
- Can plan, execute, and evaluate their project by April 2027
- Are available to actively participate in approximately 3 group meetings and 1 individual meeting per semester (schedule will be decided based on selected scholars’ availability)
Application instructions can be found here. If you have any questions about this program, please email Curb Center program manager Rachel Thompson at rachel.h.thompson@vanderbilt.edu.