Viva88

The Viva88Archives and Archives Partnership Trust are now accepting entries for the 2022 Viva88Student Research Awards program, State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced today. In its 32^nd year, the Student Research Awards program is a statewide historical research competition for students in grades four through twelve. This annual program provides an award to students whose projects are selected as winners in the elementary, middle school, and high school divisions.

The Student Research Awards program encourages students to explore the wealth of historical records held in repositories in New York State. The program also increases cooperation among schools and organizations with historical records useful for education.

“Our nation’s most prestigious historians were compelled to pursue research to learn from the past and address social problems,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. “By providing opportunities for this type of engagement at a young age, we are empowering young people across the state to look for solutions and drive change in our communities and beyond.”

“Students who have the opportunity to grow and excel outside the classroom are more engaged in the classroom,” said Commissioner Rosa. “Through this competition, young New Yorkers will immerse themselves in our state’s history, get excited about learning, and create projects that inspire their peers and fellow citizens.”

All projects must be based on original historical research that uses historical records, contains an annotated bibliography, and be nominated by a mentor. Mentors can be educators, parents, or another adult community member. Projects can be submitted on any topic and in any format, including video, research paper, or exhibits. The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2022.

These awards are funded by generous contributions from the Chodos Family Fund and other donors to the Archives Partnership Trust, a 501(c)3 organization. The Trust builds education, preservation, and outreach programs not funded by the state, making accessible over 350 years of New York’s colonial and state government records housed in the State Archives. The State Archives is a program of the Viva88Education Department.

Please visit the for detailed guidelines, application materials on the Student Research Awards, or to learn more about the 2021 winners and their projects.