Amanda V. Houston Fellowship


Established in 1993, the Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship to prepare Boston College students for leadership in the United States and the world at large by enriching their personal and educational development through travel. Consistent with the namesake’s lifelong role as a universal educator, community leader, and mentor, the Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship underwrites travel/study experiences that contribute to the personal and intellectual growth of its recipients. Thanks to the financial support of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Committee, as of 2011 there will be 2 AVH Traveling Fellowship issued each year.


Fellowship Information

The Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship provides up to $3000 toward domestic or international travel, including transportation, lodging, meals and research-related expenses.

  • The successful recipients can use the award for either an Independent Research Project under the supervision of a faculty member or a Research Paper attached to an approved course in a BC recognized study abroad program. 
  • If the applicant will be studying abroad, then the Research Paper can be result of approved coursework. 
  • The content of either the Independent Research Project or the Research Paper must significantly focus on African or African Diaspora Communities. 
  • The award must be used during the summer or fall semester of the fellowship year.

Boston College sophomores and juniors who have a grade point average of 3.0 or greater are invited to apply.

Upon Completion of the Independent Research Project or Research Paper attached to an approved course, the recipient will:

  • Submit a 500-word summary of her/his study abroad experience
  • Submit a final paper (a minimum of 10-15 double-spaced pages)
  • Participate/present at BC’s Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • Participate in the AVH Traveling Fellowship Award Ceremony
  • Be available to prospective AVH applicants to answer general questions about the application process.

Submit completed application packets by Wednesday, April 16, 2025 to:

Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship Committee
c/o African and African Diaspora Studies Program (AADS)
Lyons Hall 301
Boston College

Amanda Houston. Original negative: B-4-52, #31. Former Black Studies Program Director, credited with having fashioned for Black Studies a clear identity and a firm role in the University's curriculum. When she retired at the end of the 1992-93 academic year, Black Studies had grown into a 34-course (now 40) curriculum in African-American history, literature, arts, music and political and social issues. Passed away on August 24, 1995. Day by Day: August 30, 1995 More than 250 colleagues, former students and friends gathered in Gasson 100 to remember former Black Studies Program director Amanda Houston, who died six days earlier. Appointed head of the fledgling program in 1981, Houston over the next 11 years oversaw its expansion into a 34-course curriculum in African-American history, literature, arts, music, and political and social issues.

Amanda V. Houston was the director of the African and African Diaspora Studies Program from 1981-1993. One of her particular concerns was that BC students of African descent prepare themselves to engage national and international issues as informed leaders and citizens of the world. Her generosity of spirit is reflected in this gift of travel.


Application Information:



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