Advocacy Scholars

Open Application: 2024 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars Program!

Deadline Extended Through Jan. 26th!

The Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars Program is unique opportunity for individuals interested in preservation advocacy to access advocacy training and mentoring and to join a national network of advocates.

We are openly accepting applications for 2024 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars through January 26, 2024. Read instructions and apply below!

Preservation Action Foundation’s Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars Program recognizes the importance of training the next generation of preservation advocates by inviting selected scholars to participate in National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week.

This year, Advocacy Week will be held in Washington, D.C., from March 4th-7th. Selected participants will participate in policy briefings and trainings,  join congressional office visits, and attend key networking events. The scholarship includes complimentary Advocacy Week registration and a travel stipend.

Students selected as Advocacy Scholars are an important new part of the collective grassroots voice. Since launching in 2014, the Advocacy Scholars program has provided the opportunity for dozens of students and recent graduates to learn more and participate directly in advocating for historic preservation.


Check out our 2023 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars!

Preservation Action Foundation is excited to announce our 2023 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars! After receiving a record number of applications from all over the country, we are thrilled to invite 7 exceptional students and young professionals to participate in this year’s National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week. Preservation Action Foundation would especially like to thank our sponsors that made this year’s Advocacy Scholars Program possible, The Keeper’s Preservation Education Fund, the 1772 Foundation, Tom Morairty, and Mary Pillsbury Wainwright in memory of Senator Jean Carnahan. This year’s Advocacy Scholars are:

  • Paul Albert– Baltimore, MD
  • Claire Cox– Charleston, SC
  • Peter Gaytan– Nichols, SC
  • Stephanie Gittins– Hendersonville, TN
  • Isabella Gordineer– Charleston, SC
  • Jenya Green– Austin, TX
  • Joshua Lerma– Albuquerque, NM 
2023 Bruce MacDougal Advocacy Scholars at St. Marks on Capitol Hill where we kicked off our day of trainings for Advocacy Week.

In 2022, the Advocacy Scholars Program was renamed in honor of longtime preservationist and supporter, Bruce MacDougal. Bruce was a strong supporter of the program and served as a mentor to countless preservationists over his long career. He held a deep belief that we should be committed, as preservation leaders, to educate and engage the next generation.