Accepting applications

Kenneth W. Payne Student Prize

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Level

undergraduate, masters, phd

Organization

Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA)

Field

Anthropology, Gender Studies, LGBTQ+ Studies

Funding

unknown

Overview

The Kenneth W. Payne Student Prize is an annual award presented by the Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA) to recognize outstanding anthropological work by graduate or undergraduate students. The work should focus on 1) a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans* topic, or 2) a critical interrogation of sexualities and genders more broadly defined.

Coverage

The prize includes a cash award. The exact amount is not clearly stated in the provided content.

Eligibility

This prize is open to graduate and undergraduate students from any nationality, enrolled in any of the four fields of anthropology. To be eligible, the submitted work must have been completed in the year prior to submission while the applicant was still enrolled as a student.

Requirements

Submissions can be either research papers or visual media. Research papers should be no longer than 40 pages, double-spaced, and typed in 12-point font. Visual media projects should run no longer than 60 minutes. Published papers, works accepted for publication, or media projects already under contract for commercial distribution will not be accepted for review.

How to apply

The deadline for submissions is June 1st each year. To apply, submit an electronic copy of your print submission as a Word (.doc or .docx) attachment to [email protected]. For visual media projects, send an email to [email protected] identifying the visual media project and indicating its accessibility (e.g., a download link from an accessible website). In either case, your email message must include a statement showing your intent to enter the Kenneth W. Payne Prize competition. Also, include your name, address, department and university, telephone number, and email address in the body of the email. Additionally, indicate the stage of your graduate or undergraduate work at the time the submission was developed. You should receive a confirmation email within one week of submission.

Notes

Submissions will be judged according to criteria such as the use of relevant LGBTQ and/or feminist anthropological theory and literature, potential for contribution to and advancement of LGBTQ studies and understanding of sexualities worldwide, attention to difference (e.g., gender, class, race, ethnicity, nation), originality, organization and coherence, and timeliness. The award will be presented to the winner at the AQA Business Meeting during the annual meetings of the American Anthropological Association.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Association for Queer Anthropology (AQA)

Original source: JLV College Counseling

Official application page: http://queeranthro.org/awards/the-kenneth-w-payne-student-prize/

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.