Gabriel Summer Scholars Institute: Waterways to Lifeways: Genealogy, Geography, Environment

The VCU Gabriel Summer Scholars Institute in African American Studies is a six-day college immersion experience aimed at giving students a rigorous, dynamic and fun introduction to the world of Black Studies.

The role of geography, property and resources to sustain livelihoods in family history and genealogical research cannot be denied. Water has played the key role in establishing and growing communities as well as in the migration patterns leading to new lives and opportunities throughout history - the use of it and the search for it has driven history.  Researching family history can lead quickly to questions about where your people lived, where they moved to and why.

Up to (30) rising 10th through 12th graders from the greater Richmond region will be introduced to college-level research skills and mapping through genealogy–the study and documentation of their own family history journeys. They will meet scholars and college students, visit African American sites significant to Richmond, from art and history museums to an urban farm/art park, the James River, Library of Virginia, and the university’s collections.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Omega Psi Fraternity, we do have funds for tuition assistance. Please indicate your interest where indicated on the application.

Participant Eligibility

• High school students, entering grades 10-12 in 2025-26
• Live in Richmond or surrounding counties
• Interest in African American studies/Black history
• Minimum GPA: 2.5