The IAAM Sankofa Fellowship 2026
The IAAM Sankofa Fellowship is a leadership and cultural immersion program run by the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston. It was created to give college students hands-on experience in African American history, community engagement, leadership development, and public history work. The program is aimed primarily at rising college juniors and seniors who are interested in making an impact in their communities.
Core goals of the fellowship
Across its iterations, the fellowship is designed to:
Develop future leaders rooted in African American history and culture.
Connect academic learning with real-world community service.
Expose students to careers in museums, education, public history, nonprofit leadership, and cultural institutions.
Encourage participants to address contemporary issues such as historical preservation, health disparities, and community empowerment.
The Sankofa Fellowship reflects a broader trend in public history and museum education: moving beyond traditional exhibits and helping students become active participants in preserving history and serving communities. Rather than focusing solely on academic study, the program combines historical understanding, leadership training, community engagement, and professional development.
