DHC Update
May 6, 2025
SAN JOSÉ, CA — In a surprising turn of events following recent federal decisions, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has been largely defunded—leading to the termination of a $375,000 grant awarded to San José State University’s Digital Humanities Center (DHC). The grant, which had already been fully matched by local contributions and met every federal requirement, was a cornerstone of the Center’s launch and growth.
This sudden loss presents a significant challenge—not only to San José State University, but to cultural and educational institutions across the country. While the NEH was a vital partner in realizing the DHC’s vision, the values the Center represents—equity, open access, and the enduring power of the humanities—are stronger than any single funding source.
“Because of the incredible generosity of our local community, the DHC exists,” said Michael Meth, Dean of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. “We’ve renovated the space, launched programs, and begun shifting digital scholarship into this vital new home. But without the NEH grant, our infrastructure and capacity are at risk.”
Despite the setback, the university remains committed to the DHC’s mission: empowering students and faculty to use digital tools to expand access, amplify underrepresented voices, and make the humanities more inclusive and impactful.
“We are calling on our community now more than ever,” said Shannon Miller, Dean of the College of Humanities and the Arts. “To fully realize the DHC’s original vision, we need local supporters to step forward and help us fill the gap left by the NEH.”
Supporters are invited to make a gift that will directly sustain DHC programs, fund student research, and help advance digital equity and innovation in the humanities.
At the heart of Silicon Valley, San José State University is creating a space where technology empowers the community for creativity and social good. This fall 2024, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Digital Humanities Center-a place to inspire creativity, foster inclusivity, and transform how people connect with technology.
The faculty and staff at the College of Humanities & the Arts and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library have been working with community and campus partners for over four years to make this vision a reality. The Center will offer free access to technology, expert guidance, and a collaborative environment for students, faculty, and community members to explore digital tools and bring their ideas to life.
Whether it’s creating digital storytelling projects, crafting artworks, or visualizing data-driven research, visitors will be given the training, tools and the expert support they need. They will also find a spirit of collaboration, where people will be invited to share their skills and knowledge with one another.
Thanks to the generosity of local supporters, we are in the final phase of fundraising. This year, we have raised $30,000 towards our $50,000 goal, and with $20,000 left, we need your help. Every dollar donated will be matched 1:1 by the National Endowment for the Humanities, doubling your impact.