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Teaching the Digital Diaspora
Teaching African American Studies Summer Institute
June 16–20, 2026 at Prairie View A&M University
The history of the African diaspora is a triumphant archive of resilience, innovation, and cultural creation spanning countless generations, continents, and centuries. Yet, much of this vast, complex narrative remains hidden within incomplete archival records or obscured by the limitations of traditional research methods. Drawing upon the success of the TAASI series, the 2026 Teaching African American Studies Institute will transform how K–12 educators access and teach this history, utilizing the power of digital humanities to uncover these hidden connections and reveal the dynamic human story of the diaspora.
The 2026 Teaching African American Studies Institute, “Teaching the Digital Diaspora,” will move beyond traditional resources to explore how digital humanities (DH) can illuminate the complexities of the African diaspora. Participants will work with scholars to understand how these tools reveal hidden histories of resistance, self-determination, and artistic contribution across vast geographies and time periods.
The Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice at Prairie View A&M University and the National Humanities Center are proud to host the 2026 institute. Open to all K–12 educators, this program provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience focused on supporting teachers with the foundational skills to ethically evaluate and use digital resources, transforming complex historical data into accessible, classroom-ready lessons. Participants will leave not only with a deepened understanding of the field but also with practical, classroom-ready instructional resources designed to enrich African American and Diaspora Studies in the classroom.
Application Process
All current K–12 educators are eligible for this program. However, this institute is primarily designed for middle grades (6–8) and secondary-level (9–12) educators, with priority given to teachers in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Applicant must be a full-time educator for the 2025–26 academic year. Participants will be selected from a competitive application pool. Each will receive a $1,000 stipend for the successful completion of the institute, as well as lodging accommodations in Prairie View for the week.
Apply Now
Applications for TAASI ’26 will be accepted from December 15, 2025 until March 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET. To be considered, please complete the institute application form and include the following documents:
- Letter of interest (1-page maximum)
- Letter of support from supervisor or colleague
- Current CV or resume (5-page maximum)