Cokie Roberts Fellowship for Women’s History

The Cokie Roberts Fellowship for Women’s History is an initiative of the National Archives Foundation, established in November 2019 to commemorate and extend the legacy of journalist and author Cokie Roberts. Roberts was a pioneering voice who illuminated the overlooked contributions of women in U.S. history, bringing those narratives to a broader public. In her honor, the Foundation created this fellowship to foster further scholarship that uncovers and amplifies women's historical roles. This research-driven program seeks to support individuals who share a passion for women’s history and who are capable of producing new, publishable insights from the rich troves of archival material housed in the National Archives. The Fellowship offers funding to one to three individuals each year, chosen from a national pool of emerging or established historians, journalists, authors, and graduate students. These fellows must have demonstrated writing ability and a clear commitment to research related to women’s history. The core objective is to support archival research at one or more National Archives facilities, enabling fellows to devote time and resources toward in-depth exploration and subsequent publication of their findings. Funding is allocated to cover travel, lodging, and time dedicated to the research process. Applicants are required to submit a complete application, including a detailed research proposal, a resume or CV, one letter of recommendation, and three samples of prior work. Additionally, the application includes several narrative components designed to assess the applicant’s experience with archival research, clarity of their proposed topic, and their plans for publishing the final work. These narrative sections allow the National Archives Foundation to evaluate each applicant's potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of women’s history. Eligible applicants must be able to conduct in-person research at a National Archives location and may be located anywhere in the United States. The fellowship is not limited by institutional affiliation, though applicants must demonstrate a strong background in writing and a commitment to historical inquiry. The 2026 application window is currently open, with all materials due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 15, 2026. Selection decisions are based on the quality of the proposal, the feasibility and historical significance of the research, and the applicant’s qualifications. There are no restrictions listed on how the funds must be allocated beyond their use for research-related expenses, such as travel or time compensation. The fellowship also does not require a matching contribution from the applicant or affiliated institutions. The program serves a nationwide audience and reflects the National Archives Foundation’s broader mission of education and public engagement through historical records. Interested applicants can access the application form and upload materials through the Foundation’s portal. If technical issues arise, applicants are instructed to email [email protected]. Although no formal pre-application stage is required, all components, including the letter of recommendation and supporting documents, must be submitted by the deadline. Award decisions and notifications timelines are not specified but are assumed to follow shortly after the April deadline. Additional support materials, such as FAQs and profiles of past fellows, are available on the Foundation’s website.