Pennsylvania's Under-Recognized History
The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation’s (PHF’s) mission to help preserve the Commonwealth’s rich heritage includes supporting the next generation of scholars and encouraging their enthusiasm for Pennsylvania History. For our third annual PHF Essay Scholarship, we seek rising high-school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing an education in History or an allied field.
Applicants are given broad latitude to prepare an essay of up to 1,500 words about a person, location, or event that has been under-recognized in Pennsylvania History.
Eight cash awards will be presented for the best essays received. Eligible applicants are current Pennsylvania residents attending a two- or four-year Pennsylvania college or university in the fall of 2026 and pursuing a course of study in History or an allied field. We are looking for well-written and thoughtfully articulated essays in the applicant’s authentic voice with an individual perspective that elevates the topic with originality and understanding.
The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation will award 8 Scholarships:
- 1 - $2500 award
- 1 - $1500 award
- 6 - $1000 awards
Essay: 1,500 words maximum (not including citations and sources) about a topic of Pennsylvania’s under-recognized History. The essay must be the original work of the applicant and reflect their own voice and ideas.
Personal Statement: Brief explanation of the applicant's path of study in the field of History
Due Date: May 1, 2026 at 11:59pm
Applicant Requirements:
- Attending a Pennsylvania two- or four-year college or university in the fall of 2026
- Pursuing a course of study in History or an allied field
- Current Pennsylvania resident
The following must be received electronically or postmarked by May 1, 2026:
- Completed Application (form below)
- Proof of full-time enrollment in a Pennsylvania educational institution as evidenced by most recent transcript for current students or copy of acceptance letter for students entering the first year in fall 2026
- Personal statement
- Essay
Submit your application by:
Completing the form below and uploading required documents, or
E-mail application and required documents to RA-paheritage@pa.gov, or
Mail Application and required documents to:
Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation
400 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Attn: Scholarship Committee
Winners will be notified by email on or before June 30, 2026. Awards to be announced in the PHF newsletter, on our website, and in the Fall 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine.
Selection by the Committee will be final.
If you have any questions, please contact Jodie Dodson at c-jododson@pa.gov or 717-787-9123.
By submitting this application and accompanying documentation, I hereby grant the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation permission to use my name and any related content for promotional and publicity purposes, including but not limited to website features and social media posts.
I understand that the information provided in my scholarship application and essay may be shared with the public through newsletters and social media posts. This content may be used indefinitely and without further compensation.
Complete the Following Application
If you do not receive a confirmation email or message, please forward all documents and answers to the application directly to:
Jodie Dodson at c-jododson@pa.gov.
