USA Scholarships
Partial Funding Masters the USA

DAR Centennial Scholarship 2027 - $2,500 Preservation

Deadline January 31, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time 132 days left · Hosted by Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) · Published

The DAR Centennial Scholarship 2027 supports graduate study in historic preservation at accredited US institutions. The Daughters of the American Revolution funds two one-time awards of $2,500 each, created from a portion of Centennial Pin sales. You must be a US citizen enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program focused on preserving buildings, landscapes, or cultural heritage. Applications run on DAR AcademicWorks from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. Awards deposit with your college, and you may hold only one DAR national scholarship in a given year.

One-time graduate awards
$2,500 × 2
Historic preservation focus
Graduate
11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time
Jan 31, 2027
Accredited US universities
US citizens
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is the DAR Centennial Scholarship?

The DAR Centennial Scholarship connects DAR heritage work with graduate training in historic preservation. When members sold the Centennial Pin, part of the proceeds seeded this fund so future preservationists could finish advanced degrees without leaning entirely on loans. Two students each receive $2,500 toward accredited US graduate programs every cycle.

Historic preservation sits at the intersection of architecture, public history, and community planning. DAR wants scholars who will protect buildings, landscapes, and cultural resources rather than treat history as an abstract classroom subject. Your application should name projects you touched, whether that means a survey form for a Main Street district, GIS work for a battlefield, or internship hours at a state historic site.

The logistics mirror other DAR national awards. US citizens apply through AcademicWorks between November 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027. Upload graduate transcripts, citizenship proof, and essays that show why preservation matters in your community. DAR deposits the money at your university, so keep your registrar or bursar in the loop once you receive an offer letter.

Because only two awards exist each year, treat the Centennial Scholarship as a targeted supplement rather than your entire funding plan. Pair it with department assistantships, state historic preservation office internships, and fellowships from organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Winning here signals that your graduate work aligns with DAR service values while you build a broader financial package.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 6
  • ✓
    United States citizenship
    Applicants must be US citizens with proof such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. Permanent residents and international students are not eligible for DAR Scholarship Committee awards.
  • ✓
    Graduate study in historic preservation
    You must pursue a course of graduate study in historic preservation at an accredited college or university in the United States. Related heritage management or conservation programs may qualify when your transcript and essay show preservation as the core focus.
  • ✓
    Enrollment at an accredited US institution
    Attendance or planned attendance at an accredited US college or university is required. DAR places award funds on deposit with your institution rather than mailing a check to you directly.
  • ✓
    Academic excellence and field commitment
    DAR selects scholars based on academic achievement, dedication to historic preservation, and the quality of your AcademicWorks application. Financial need is not listed as a requirement for this specific fund.
  • ✓
    One DAR national scholarship limit
    You may apply to multiple DAR scholarships, but the committee awards only one national scholarship per applicant per cycle. Choose the fund that best matches your degree plan.
  • ✓
    No DAR chapter sponsorship required
    Local chapter endorsement is optional. Many preservation graduate students apply independently while working with professors on recommendation letters.
What you get

Benefits

  • Award amount $2,500 one-time per recipient
  • Number of awards Two scholarships per cycle
  • Payment method Deposited with your graduate school
  • Field focus Historic preservation graduate study
  • Multi-year renewal One-time award only
  • Living stipend beyond tuition Not specified; partial funding
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • ✓
    DAR AcademicWorks application
    Submit the online form at dar.academicworks.com between November 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027. Emailed paper applications are not accepted.
  • ✓
    Graduate transcript
    Upload graduate transcripts showing your preservation-related coursework and cumulative GPA. Official copies are not required initially, but your name must appear on the document.
  • ✓
    Proof of US citizenship
    Provide citizenship documentation inside the portal as directed on the general DAR checklist.
  • ✓
    Program description or acceptance letter
    Show that you are admitted to or enrolled in a historic preservation graduate program. Include department name and degree objective.
  • ✓
    Resume highlighting preservation experience
    List internships at historic sites, architectural surveys, GIS mapping, museum work, or advocacy projects that demonstrate hands-on preservation skills.
  • ✓
    Essays and recommendation letters
    Complete every essay prompt and invite recommenders who can speak to your preservation coursework or professional work before the deadline.
Step by step

How to apply

Read the DAR history scholarships page and confirm your graduate degree plan centers on historic preservation rather than general history or architecture without a preservation track.
Download the national instructions at dar.org so you know which browsers work, which uploads are required, and how citizenship proof should look.
Create your account early and select the DAR Centennial Scholarship from the fund list inside dar.academicworks.com.
Explain specific sites, surveys, or community projects you worked on and how graduate training will expand that impact. Generic statements about loving old buildings rarely win.
Attach graduate transcripts plus acceptance or enrollment confirmation from your preservation program before you preview the submission.
Finish before 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. The portal shuts down until the next November opening.
Spring notification leads to a deposit at your institution. Track email from DAR and forward paperwork to your graduate school finance office quickly.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
January 31, 2027, 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time
132 days left
Nov 1, 2026
DAR AcademicWorks opens for Centennial and other national scholarships.
Nov 2026 - Jan 2027
Prepare preservation writing sample, transcripts, and references.
Jan 31, 2027
Deadline at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time.
Feb - Apr 2027
Committee review for historic preservation applicants.
Spring 2027
Two recipients notified; funds deposited at universities.
2027-2028
Scholarship applied toward graduate tuition and approved costs.
Questions

FAQ

What is the DAR Centennial Scholarship?

It is a Daughters of the American Revolution graduate scholarship for historic preservation. DAR created the fund from Centennial Pin proceeds and awards $2,500 each to two students per cycle.

Who is eligible for the DAR Centennial Scholarship?

You must be a US citizen pursuing graduate study in historic preservation at an accredited US college or university. Selection focuses on academic strength and commitment to the preservation field.

How many DAR Centennial Scholarships are awarded each year?

DAR selects two recipients annually, each receiving a one-time $2,500 award placed on deposit with the student's institution.

When is the DAR Centennial Scholarship application due?

Apply online from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time via dar.academicworks.com, matching the standard DAR Scholarship Committee window.

Can undergraduate preservation majors apply for the DAR Centennial Scholarship?

The published criteria target graduate students. If you are still completing a bachelor's degree, look at other DAR funds such as the Pittenger American History Scholarship or general undergraduate awards on dar.org.

Does the DAR Centennial Scholarship require financial need forms?

Financial need documentation is not listed among the requirements for this scholarship. DAR only requires need paperwork for a small set of other national funds such as certain nursing and American Indian scholarships.

Is the DAR Centennial Scholarship renewable?

No. It is a one-time $2,500 award. You cannot renew it automatically, though you may apply to other DAR scholarships in future cycles if you remain eligible.

Who answers questions about the DAR Centennial Scholarship?

Email [email protected] for fund-specific help. General portal questions go to [email protected].

Featured

Scholarship Union

More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.

Keep looking

Related guides

Partial Funding
Pittenger American History Scholarship 2027 - $2K/yr
The Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship from DAR gives $2,000 per year for up to four years to graduating high school seniors who will earn an undergraduate degree with at least 24 credit hours in American history and American government. Renewal requires a 3.25 GPA and annual transcript review. US citizens apply on DAR AcademicWorks from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. Citizens abroad may apply through a Units Overseas Chapter.
Partial Funding
Beneventi Law Scholarship 2027 - $2,000 DAR Award
The Arthur Lockwood Beneventi Law Scholarship from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a one-time national award of about $2,000 for a US citizen enrolled in or attending an accredited US law school with at least a 3.25 GPA. The DAR Scholarship Committee accepts online applications through AcademicWorks from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. The award is not automatically renewable, though past recipients may reapply in later cycles. DAR chapter sponsorship is not required.
Fully Funded
Critical Language Scholarship 2027 - CLS Summer
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a U.S. Department of State summer institute that sends undergraduate and graduate students to intensive eight-week language programs overseas or online. CLS covers language instruction, travel, housing, meals, materials, visa fees where applicable, and academic credit through Bryn Mawr College. You must be a U.S. citizen or national, at least 18 by May of the program year, and enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree program. Apply once per cycle for one language through clscholarship.org; expect the 2027 summer application to close in mid-November 2026 on the same annual schedule as recent cycles.
Partial Funding
ITE Diversity Scholars 2027 - Up to $20,000
The ITE Diversity Scholars Program, now branded as the ITE University Scholars Program, supports US high school seniors and community college transfer students who plan to study transportation engineering, planning, or related fields at a four-year university with an ITE Student Chapter. Scholars can receive up to $20,000 total, paid up to $4,000 per year for as many as five years, plus mentoring, chapter engagement, and internship connections. Applicants need a 3.0 high school GPA, US citizenship or lawful permanent residency, and preference goes to first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Applications are due March 15 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on the ITE scholarship platform.

Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.

Visit official website