Christopher p. robinson 

This scholarship honors Chris Robinson, a preservation craftsperson and leader who served the National Park Service and preservation community for 41 years. Among his many contribution, Robinson was the superintendent of the Historic Preservation Training Center and hosted PTN's first International Preservation Trades Workshop.

The Robinson Family established this scholarship in 2017 to support the expenses of craftspeople to participate in international cross-cultural exchanges designed to increase the awareness of traditional trade skills, preservation knowledge, conservation techniques, and understanding of traditional building materials and their relations to the built environment. The scholarship is made possible through a partnership with the PTN.

Who can apply

This scholarship is available to active and emerging trades professionals. Applications will be reviewed with the following criteria:

• Clarity of the proposal and estimated budget
• Status as an active trades practitioner
• Likelihood that the individual will use the experience to advance the knowledge and skills of others as a result of the proposed opportunity
• Likelihood that the individual will advance their ability to care for historic structures through participation in the proposed opportunity
• Preference given to PTN Members and Member organizations.

What to expect

Scholarship recipients are required to:

• Utilize the scholarship within the calendar year of when they are awarded (January 1 - December 31).
• Arrange and pay for all associated travels costs to their exchange opportunity, including lodging, transportation, and meals.
• Track receipts and submit expense reports for reimbursement.
• Submit a write-up of their experiences and submit it to the Scholarships and Awards Committee.

Recipients will receive their scholarship after the Scholarships and Awards Committee receives their write-up. These will be published by PTN on platforms like the website and social media. Failure to submit a summary may result in forfeiture of the award.

When to apply

Applications are open annually in December and close January 31. Applicants will be contacted by March about the status of their submission.

How to apply

Submissions are only accepted via an online form. Please check the menu for the latest cycle of the award. It will provide a link to the latest application. The application consists of the following questions:

1. Name
2. Email
3. Mailing Address
4. Phone Number
5. Current Employment or Education Program
6. International Exchange Opportunity
7. Dates of Opportunity
8. Estimated Budget
9. Is your participation dependent upon receiving this scholarship?
10. What is your current experience with traditional trades and/or historic preservation?
11. How do you plan to utilize the new knowledge and skills you will gain from this experience to advance yourself, others and the care of historic structures or trades?
12. Provide 1 - 2 references and contact information.
13. Are you a PTN member or part of a PTN member organization?

PTN's scholarship funds help students and apprentices access valuable training and network opportunities across the globe. Those of us who have been in the "right place at the right time" to meet a mentor or talk one-on-one with a master of the trades know how life-changing those experiences can be. You can help make that happen for someone with the potential to become of the future of the traditional trades. Donate today.

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