PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) student Shantia Estes has been awarded the Arizona State University (ASU) Community Archivist Fellowship for 2024-2025. The fellowship, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, focuses on introducing students from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities to library science, specifically in community archiving.

Estes will join others in working with the Black Collections and Chicano/a Research Collection under ASU's Community-Driven Archives Initiative. This initiative aims to inspire students to consider careers in the library profession, addressing a lack of diversity noted in a 2015 Society of American Archivists survey showing that only a small percentage of archivists are from minority backgrounds.

"Being part of this fellowship confirms that we can manifest anything we desire for ourselves," Estes stated. "I’m grateful to continue preserving my family's history in a more formal way and to show young Black children from the southside that we can be anything we want to be."

Estes is deeply connected to their roots as a first-generation college student from South Phoenix. Their family history includes educators and activists, which has fueled their interest in archival work. They have transitioned from studying music at other colleges to pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education at PVCC.

Education Program Director Meggin Kirk praised Estes' dedication: "Shantia is passionate about learning, and her willingness to share her insights to lift others up is truly inspiring."

The fellowship requires participants to commit four hours per week over two semesters for service learning projects. Upon completion, fellows receive professional development funds along with a $10,000 stipend.

More information about ASU's program can be found through Nancy Godoy or Jessica Salow at ASU Library’s Community-Driven Archives Initiative website. For details on PVCC programs or general inquiries, visit their official website.