Proposal for Miranda Family Fund Student Competition
In 2023, the Department of Latino and Caribbean Studies received a generous gift from Luz Towns Miranda/ Miranda Family Fund to support student-led research projects in the field of Latino and Caribbean Studies. We now invite Majors and Minors in Latino and Caribbean Studies to apply for this funding opportunity. Three types of small awards will support original, student-driven projects that deepen understanding of the histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences of Latinx and Caribbean communities in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and beyond.
Funding is available in the following three categories:
- Research support for LCS Majors who wish to pursue an Honors Thesis in Latino and Caribbean Studies (AY 2026/27). Funds may be used for year-long honors research projects including ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, oral history interviews, creative scholarship, or community-engaged initiatives. We especially encourage proposals that demonstrate clear research questions, thoughtful methods, and meaningful contributions to the field, and an articulation of how the funds directly empower the prospective awardee(s) to advance our understanding of the histories, cultures, and contemporary experiences of Latinx and Caribbean communities. In addition to their scholarly or creative projects, awardees will write up a short public scholarship piece for publication on the Latino Studies Research Initiative (LSRI) website, which must be submitted by May 15, 2026. Eligibility and Requirements: Declared Major in LCS + research proposal. Award amount: $1,000. Apply to the Honors Thesis Research Project Funding Opportunity by September 15, 2026.
- Research projects for LCS Majors, Minors, and certificate holders in the context of our 412 seminar, Independent Studies, or semester-long honors project (beginning Fall 2026). Funds may be used for semester long research projects including ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, oral history interviews, creative scholarship, or community-engaged initiatives. We especially encourage proposals that demonstrate clear research questions, thoughtful methods, and meaningful contributions to the field. Awardees will write up a short public scholarship piece for publication on the Latino Studies Research Initiative (LSRI) website. Award amount: $500. Apply to the Semester-Long Honors Research Project Funding Opportunity by March 15 for Spring semester work and October 1 for Fall semester.
- Four-week summer internships with The Rutgers/Puerto Rico Archival Collaboration (PRAC) is available for LCS Majors and Minors for Summer 2026. PRAC is a collaboration with archival institutions in Puerto Rico that aims to help preserve and make accessible important archival collections and periodical publications in Puerto Rican History. Student will undertake an independent archival research project under the supervision of Prof. Lauria Santiago (LCS/History) and participate in mandatory meetings and project activities during their stay in Puerto Rico. Fluency in Spanish is required. At the end of their stay, students will write up a public scholarly piece for publication on the Latino Studies Research Initiative (LSRI) website. The fellowship in the amount of $3,000 will be awarded to LCS Majors or Minors to cover costs associated with airfare, room and board. Applicants must secure their own housing. Apply to the PRAC Summer Internship Funding Opportunity by April 1, 2026.