Awards and Scholarships

The Ibn Battuta Award is given by the Anthropology Program at Kansas State University to the anthropology major who has submitted the best anthropological research paper to us for our consideration. The paper may be built from a paper submitted for a class in any year, but in that case, it should be further developed and more substantial than the earlier draft. Winning papers are usually about 15 pages long (up to about 30 pages), and very thoroughly researched. The award consists of a cash prize and book describing the adventures and discoveries of Ibn Battuta, a 14th century Muslim traveler, as well as recognition of quality research and writing. The awardee will be recognized at the annual departmental awards ceremony in April. The paper can deal with any anthropological topic. Coauthored papers are not allowed. We may award two prizes, if submissions and funds allow. Please click on the hyperlink above for more specific instructions about applying for the award (by 5pm, April 5th, 2024. Submit your paper to mwesch@ksu.edu).

K-State Anthropology majors planning to attend a summer archaeological field school are invited to apply for financial assistance to participate in an archaeological training program (maximum award $500). Applicants must be K-State anthropology students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have been accepted to an academic field school. A letter of application must be submitted identifying the details of the chosen field school (project name, university, location, website) and a 150-300 word essay identifying what will be gained through this experience, how it will enhance your education, and why you chose this specific field school. Applicants must also submit an unofficial transcript and an itemized budget of expected expenses. Additionally, one letter of support is required and, separately, a note of acceptance from the field school director. These should be sent via e-mail to Dr. Lauren Ritterbush (lritterb@ksu.edu). All materials must be received no later than 5pm on April 5th, 2024.

This award grants funding to anthropology majors (with a specialization in cultural or linguistic anthropology) to support summer training, travel, research, and conference participation. Funds may be used for a summer workshop, field school, language institute, conference, or another travel or research experience that would enhance one's trajectory in the field of cultural and/or linguistic anthropology. (Equipment expenses related to these endeavors will be considered as well). Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word essay describing your plan, its goals relative to your anthropological training or career, and how the funds will be used. The application must also include a detailed budget up to $1000 and your CV. These must be submitted to the K-State Anthropology Awards coordinator, Dr. Wesch (mwesch@ksu.edu), no later than 5pm on April 5th 2024. [This award is funded in honor of Martin and Harriet Ottenheimer, retired faculty members who taught cultural and linguistic anthropology classes at K-State for many decades, and who continue to support the student success of our Anthropology majors.]

Students who would like to produce ethnographic videos and provide teaching assistance for the summer term of ANTH 200 Online will be awarded up to $5,000 to travel anywhere in the world. The award is to support students as they explore the world and has been established in honor of Dr. Harald Prins and Bunny McBride. Please go to http://anth101.com/scholarships/ for more details about how to apply. [This award is suspended for the time being.]

Several sub-field specific awards are granted to high achieving students by the faculty (no application necessary).

- College of Arts & Sciences

Developing Scholars Awards

- K-State Admissions financial assistance

- Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry

Eligibility: open to prospective students who intend to start K-State in summer or fall of 2024

Directions: Please tell us why you are excited about studying anthropology, and help us get a better sense of who you are. To that end, please submit a CV (with GPA), and an essay that speaks to your interest in anthropology to mwesch@ksu.edu by April 5, 2024.

Fellowships for U.S. graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study abroad for one academic year.

• Sophie Hawks 2022
• Jakob Hanschu 2019
• LeRoy Prine 2016
• Stephanie Keith 2013
• Amanda Stueve 2010
• Lucas Bessire 2001
• Lisa Mertz 1993
• Carol Leonard 1970

Fellows receive three years of support with a $30,000 annual stipend plus a $10,500 cost-of-education allowance, a $1,000 one time international travel allowance and access to the TeraGrid supercomputer.

• Laura Bathurst 199
• Michael Wesch 1998
• Amber Campbell 2005