The grant period has passed. Please apply starting next September for the 2025 annual meeting in San Francisco.

The Jerry Bentley World History Travel Grants were established in 2016 by a generous donation from Bentley’s widow, Carol Mon Lee, in honor of his tireless efforts to promote the field of world history, and his signal contributions to it. A professor at the University of Hawai'i, Jerry Bentley (December 9, 1949–July 15, 2012) was one of the leading figures in the world history movement and the founding editor of the Journal of World History.

The Jerry Bentley World History Travel Grants are awarded annually to support travel to the AHA annual meeting for graduate students who include world history among their major or minor fields of academic study. Grantees enrolled at a university in the state of Hawai'i will receive twice the standard grant amount. Note: Grant amounts are recommended annually by the executive director based on the fund balance and average around $200–$400. The application deadline is November 15. See the list of past recipients.

Eligibility

Only graduate student members of the Association are eligible to apply for the Jerry Bentley World History Travel Grants, regardless of participation in the meeting program. Preference will be given to those who include world history among their major or minor fields of academic study. Please note: No individual is eligible to receive more than one travel grant. Up to two applicants from institutions in the state of Hawai'i will receive double the standard grant amount. Preference will be given to those who have previously applied but not received an award.

Application Process

Log into your MY AHA account at historians.org/myaha. Click “Available Application Forms” in the AHA Awards, Grants, and Jobs section. Select the “AHA Council Annual Meeting Travel Grants” link.

1. Fill in the application form, which includes your contact information and a statement describing how you would benefit from attending the annual meeting.
2. Upload an Application Packet as a single PDF. Include the following document:
   • CV (up to 2 pages)
3. Letters of recommendation are NOT required.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed each fall, and successful applicants will be notified by email in early December. Applicants not selected for the Bentley Travel Grants will be entered into a lottery for other AHA travel grant opportunities. Please, no phone calls.

Requirements

After the annual meeting, successful applicants will be expected to write a 250-word reflection on a session they attended. Reflections should not be a summary but rather a provocative and interesting reaction. Successful applicants will also be expected to give a presentation at their institution on their annual meeting experience.

Award Distribution

Grantees will receive payments after submitting travel receipts and a 250-word reflection on a session attended at the meeting.

For questions, please contact the Prize Administrator.