Alexander Grass Scholars Program
Undergraduate Research with the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere
For questions about the program contact:
Alison Walsh, Grass Scholars Coordinator
humanities-center@ufl.edu
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere (CHPS) offers a funded undergraduate program for students of all majors to pursue a research project in areas such as:
- The humanities (literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and more)
- Public engagement
- Local research
- Partnering with community organizations
The Alexander Grass Scholars Program awards $2,000 to support an introductory research experience.
Students will enroll in a special section of IDS 4911 during the summer, continue to engage in independent research through the following fall, and present the final project at a Grass Scholars Research Symposium.
2025 Application now Open
Click here to learn more about the 2025 program, requirements, and apply.
2025 Partner Organizations & Summer Projects
The Language of Legacy: Exploring the Art of Black Folk Language
Partering Organizations:
- Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center (CCMCS)
- Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN)
Project Leader:
- Dr. Joni Perkins
Description: This project delves into the history and cultural significance of Black Folk Language and its impact on literature, identity, and society. Students will explore its evolution and use by Black authors, conduct oral history interviews with community leaders and language experts, and analyze the language’s role in shaping narratives. Through research and fieldwork, participants will create an interactive exhibit that celebrates the depth, creativity, and validity of this dynamic dialect.
Gulf Scholars Pensacola Environmental History Project
Partering Organizations:
- UF Gulf Scholars, Bob Graham Center for Public Service (GSP)
- Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP)
Project Leaders:
- Becca Burton, Gulf Scholars Program Coordinator and Lecturer
- Anna Hamilton, Samuel Proctor Oral History Program Assistant Director
Description: Students from the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program have been collecting oral histories from residents, community activists, and city officials in Pensacola, Florida who have been impacted or involved in the remediation of several EPA-designated Superfund, or toxic waste, sites in the area. The Pensacola Environmental History Project collection is housed in UF’s Digital Collections at Smathers Libraries, and the goal of this summer project is to enliven the collection in new, public-facing ways.
From Streets to StoryMaps: A Digital Walking Tour of Gainesville’s Historic Duckpond Neighborhood
Partering Organization:
Project Leader:
- Clarissa Carr, Research Assistant Professor
Description: This experience delves into the historic Duckpond Neighborhood, one of Gainesville’s oldest residential areas and part of the Northeast Residential Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Students will update the neighborhood’s walking tour, transforming it into an engaging digital format using ArcGIS StoryMaps. Combining archival research, 360-degree imagery, stakeholder interviews, and oral history collection, participants will craft a narrative that captures the area’s rich history. The course highlights the Duckpond’s architectural heritage, including the Thomas Center, a landmark whose preservation catalyzed Gainesville’s historic preservation movement.
Legacy on Stage: Uncovering the Stories Behind the Hippodrome’s Theatre Curtain
Partering Organization:
Description: The Hippodrome Theatre is a regional theatre that boasts over 50 years of play creations, theatre education and cinema programming. This experience will offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates to delve into the world of archival theatre, researching historical posters and articles to uncover the stories of actors, directors, and their careers. Through this process, students will explore the intersection of history, performance, and the lasting impact of individuals within the theatre community. By tracing the paths of these professionals, students will gain a deeper understanding of their contributions, evolving roles, and how their legacies continue to shape contemporary theatre. The program will culminate in an innovative installation, combining digital and virtual puppetry under the guidance of a digital creator.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Faculty Mentors
Faculty mentors play a key role in guiding Grass Scholars through their independent research journey, helping them refine their plans, overcome challenges, and maintain high standards of quality and integrity. $500 is awarded to faculty who supervise Grass Scholars within the program. This may be taken as a lump sum if faculty is on appointment (taxes will be deducted), or as professional development funds (held in a department account, taxes not deducted).
Community Partners
Our community partners—local organizations and cultural institutions—are vital spaces for Grass Scholars to explore the public humanities. Community partners that host a Grass Scholars Project are eligible for $500 in funding in exchange for hosting student projects, offering access to facilities, collections, and resources that support meaningful learning and collaboration.
Graduate Mentors
Graduate mentors are essential to the Grass Scholars program, providing guidance and expertise as students navigate group research projects in the summer and develop independent research in the fall. The AGS program provides $1000 total (summer A $500 and fall $500) for graduate supervision of five Grass Scholars students assigned to a specific project site.
About Alexander Grass
Alexander Grass (1927-2009) was an attorney, businessman, and founder of the Rite Aid Corporation, a major national retail drugstore chain. Mr. Grass completed his law degree at UF in 1949. Beyond his success in business, he is remembered for his commitment to community service and his generosity as a community philanthropist. Although Grass originally hailed from and operated his business in Pennsylvania, his generous support of UF’s campus, including the endowed chair in the Center for Jewish Studies, is a testament to the impact of his time as a student here. As noted in a 1997 interview (archived with UF’s Samuel Proctor Oral History Program), the humanities courses he completed at UF fostered an interest in the arts that continued throughout his life.
The Alexander Grass Scholars Program will allow the Center to directly involve undergraduate students in our mission to connect humanities research endeavors with the community where we live and teach. The Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere is honored to be a part of his lasting legacy.