A texas two-step through san antonio and austin – 50 years along the road: Society for Commercial Archeology 2027 Conference & 50th Anniversary Celebration

Student Grant Application

Thanks to the generosity of donors and support from the Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) Board of Directors, the SCA is pleased to offer grants to assist two (2) current undergraduate or graduate students with attendance at the organization’s 2027 Texas Conference.

Event Details

As the Society for Commercial Archeology celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, our biennial conference from May 19-22 will bring SCA members and new friends together in San Antonio and Austin for an exploration of the Texas roadside, complete with a full symposium day of presentations on roadside topics. As we two-step through these distinct cities, we will survey the region’s historic commercial architecture, varied landscapes, and vernacular art, and enjoy the region’s diverse music, food, and more. We will also honor SCA’s 50th anniversary in special ways. Details are available here.

Grant Details

Grants will cover full attendance at the event, including the entirety of the event registration fee and covered meals (some meals are on your own). An additional $200 will be provided to assist with travel, lodging, food, and other expenses related to attending the event. Recipients will be registered for the event but will be in charge of booking their own travel and accommodations. Two (2) grants will be awarded. Recipients will be asked to commit to the following:

Attend the entirety of the event from May 19-22, 2027.

Deliver a 5-minute lightning talk during the conference symposium day on May 21, 2027 on a roadside topic of their choice. Alternatively, recipients may submit a full 20-minute presentation. Full details.

Following the event, the recipients will be asked to provide a short write-up of their experience for an SCA publication.

Eligibility Criteria

The SCA Texas Conference Student Grants seek to encourage the wider participation of undergraduate and graduate students in the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of the American roadside by providing assistance to two (2) students to attend the annual Road Trip. An applicant must:

  • Be a member of the Society for Commercial Archeology at the time of application. Student memberships are available for $40. To join the SCA or to renew a membership, visit here
  • Be a student enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in architectural history, public history, geography, city/regional planning, historic preservation, American studies, or related academic discipline

Application Requirements

To apply, submit the form below by January 31, 2027.

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Phone(Required)
Level(Required)
A short bio of no more than 250 words
Attach an essay of no more than 1,000 words demonstrating your interest in the American roadside, commercial built environment, and/or Texas architecture/history along with your financial need
Max. file size: 50 MB.

About the Society for Commercial Archeology

The SCA is a national nonprofit “Advocate for Our Roadside Heritage.” The mission of the 501(c)(3) organization is:

The Society for Commercial Archeology (SCA) honors the commercial built environment and cultural landscapes of North America, especially the roadside, its artifacts and structures, signs and symbols, those lost, those surviving, and those still being developed. Through research, education, publications, events, and advocacy, the SCA connects and nurtures a large community of enthusiasts, promotes public awareness, and encourages preservation efforts.

This is accomplished through a bi-annual journal, quarterly newsletter, monthly virtual presentations, conferences and road trips, digital archives, annual awards, advocacy, and more.