American Council of Learned Societies and NEH Unite for Humanities Graduate Education Reform

ACLS Partners with NEH for Graduate Education in Humanities

In a move aimed at revitalizing graduate education in the humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has secured a cooperative agreement with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to spearhead the initiative titled "Graduate Education in the Humanities: A National Convening." This ambitious project represents a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing humanities programs today.

Starting from 2025 and running through 2028, this initiative seeks to assess and reform graduate education with the backing of key academic associations, including the American Historical Association, the Modern Language Association, and the Society of Biblical Literature. With a budget of up to $1 million—comprised of $500,000 from NEH matched by third-party contributions—the effort aims to bring tangible solutions directly to faculty and administrators across the nation.

Historically, graduate programs in the humanities have faced significant scrutiny and funding cuts, which have adversely affected their sustainability and relevance. The new partnership emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the value of graduate education in the humanities, especially in light of growing misconceptions about its efficacy and necessity.

The overarching goal of ACLS and NEH is to enhance the graduate education experience for all students, particularly first-generation college graduates and underrepresented groups. During a time when many face financial and institutional barriers, this initiative strives to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. Joy Connolly, the president of ACLS, encapsulated the vision with the mantra "carpe diem"—encouraging scholars to seize the moment to collaborate and pave the way for positive change.

"Our aim is system-wide improvement," Connolly stated. "We seek to transform a highly uncertain moment into an opportunity for scholars to work together to improve graduate programs across the country. Together with our partners, we will tackle a range of challenging issues—from financial aid and recruitment strategies to degree requirements and professional outcomes."

The project encourages innovative models of study that are rigorous yet adaptable to student needs. A national convening is planned for 2027 to further advocate for the contributions of graduate education in the humanities to broader society.

In the current competitive landscape of graduate education in the U.S., the ACLS intends to unite nearly 100 professional academic organizations, deans from 45 major providers of humanities PhDs, along with liberal arts and regional comprehensive institutions. This cross-collaboration aims to forge stronger connections and strategic partnerships that can lead to meaningful reforms.

ACLS boasts a prominent position in facilitating this nationwide effort. Each year, it administers around $25 million in fellowships and grants to scholars across diverse academic institutions. The organization's longstanding commitment to advancing knowledge in the humanities and social sciences makes it uniquely qualified to lead this substantial initiative.

In the context of shifting perceptions regarding the value of humanities education, ACLS aims to not only highlight the crucial role of humanistic studies but also bolster public understanding of their societal benefits. Recent programs, such as the Mellon/ACLS Public Fellows and the Leading Edge Fellowship, underscore their commitment to reforming graduate education and better preparing PhDs in humanities to engage with and contribute to society.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment for humanities graduate education. By leveraging the strength of collaborative efforts and addressing areas such as diversity, equity, and progressive educational practices, ACLS and NEH are set to make a lasting impact on the future of humanities academia.

For more information about ACLS and its initiatives, visit their official website.