Maya Research Program’s 2026 Archaeological Field School (Student Discounts and Scholarships Available)

Location: Blue Creek, BZ

Season: June 1, 2026 to July 5, 2026

Session Dates: 2026 Field Season Dates: Session 1: Monday, June 1st to Sunday, June 14th, 2026 Session 2: Monday, June 15th to Sunday, June 28th, 2026 (WEEK BREAK FOR STAFF - Monday, June 29th to Sunday, July 5th, 2026) Session 3: Monday, July 6th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://www.mayaresearchprogram.org

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Texas at Tyler

Project Director:
Dr. Thomas H. Guderjan and C. Colleen Hanratty, University of Texas at Tyler

Project Description:

The Maya Research Program (MRP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to sponsoring archaeological and ethnographic research in Latin America. Since 1992, MRP has conducted archaeological fieldwork in northwestern Belize, supporting the Blue Creek Archaeological Project. This extensive research initiative focuses on key sites, including Blue Creek, Grey Fox, Nojol Nah, Tulix Mul, Tz’unun, and Xnoha. (You can read many of MRP’s publications are available here.)

MRP has played a pivotal role in documenting, preserving, and protecting Maya heritage in northwestern Belize. Over the past 30 years, more than 3,000 students and volunteers have contributed to this ongoing effort. The current Blue Creek project team includes faculty members and graduate students from over a dozen universities worldwide, and is affiliated with the University of Texas at Tyler.

In Summer 2026, MRP will celebrate the 31st field season of the Blue Creek Archaeological Project! This milestone underscores MRP’s commitment to supporting a diverse and talented group of researchers from around the globe. Our research team includes not only archaeologists, but also specialists in fields such as soil science, geoarchaeology, geography, geology, conservation, bioarchaeology, botany, and anthropology.

Each summer, MRP hosts three two-week field school sessions that offers students and volunteers the opportunity to participate in hands-on archaeological research. The MRP archaeological field school provides participants with practical experience in archaeological excavation, training in manual and digital recording methods, as well as artifact analysis and curation techniques.

For detailed information on what to expect during your time with MRP—such as daily activities, housing arrangements, and what to bring—please consult our Participant Guide.

MRP offers scholarships to support students’ participation. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for these opportunities. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 15, 2026.

2026 Field Season Dates:

Session 1: Monday, June 1st to Sunday, June 14th, 2026

Session 2: Monday, June 15th to Sunday, June 28th, 2026

– WEEK BREAK FOR STAFF (Monday, June 29th to Sunday, July 5th, 2026)

Session 3: Monday, July 6th to Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Enrollment for the 2026 field season is now open. We invite you to join us in continuing this important work of  research and preservation!

Enrollment Process:

The maximum number of participants for each 2-week session is 26 students and volunteers. To begin the enrollment process, the applicant should forward an enrollment form and $250 USD deposit per session to the Maya Research Program. (Please note that you must have a COVID vaccine and applicable boosters to participate in the Blue Creek Archaeological Project.)

You can email the enrollment forms to Dr. Thomas Guderjan at mrpinquiries@gmail.com or via postal mail to 1912 East Southeast Loop 323 #296, Tyler, Texas, 75701. You can send your donation via mail by check or electronically via PayPal.

Cost:

A special first-session rate of $1750 is available to students currently enrolled in an accredited University or College. Students are encouraged to apply for a MRP scholarship to reduce their costs.

The donation for a single two-week session for non-students is $1850 USD.

If more than one session is desired, the donation is $1450 for each additional session (for both students and non-students).

A non-refundable deposit of $250 per session is required to hold your spot.

Participants are responsible for their travel costs to and from Belize.

If a student wishes to receive academic credit, tuition costs (via the University of Texas at Tyler or their home institution) will apply in addition to the required donation to the Maya Research Program

________________________

Additional Information:
You can read numerous MRP publications are  here.
You can also download MRP’s Participant Guide here.

Interested in joining the team?  Call 817-831-9011 or email Dr. Thomas H. Guderjan : mrpinquiries@gmail.com

 

Period(s) of Occupation: Maya / Classic Period

Notes:
In Summer 2026, MRP will celebrate the 31st field season of the Blue Creek Archaeological Project! This milestone underscores MRP’s commitment to supporting a diverse and talented group of researchers from around the globe. Our research team includes not only archaeologists, but also specialists in fields such as soil science, geoarchaeology, geography, geology, conservation, bioarchaeology, botany, and anthropology. Each summer, MRP hosts three two-week field school sessions that offers students and volunteers the opportunity to participate in hands-on archaeological research. The MRP archaeological field school provides participants with practical experience in archaeological excavation, training in manual and digital recording methods, as well as artifact analysis and curation techniques.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks (one session)

Minimum Age: 18 (Underage participants are allowed on a case by case basis.)

Experience Required: No previous experience required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Our base station has a large central 2 story house (including a public lounge, library and kitchen)  a laboratory building, a large shower/restroom building, a dining hall, and a large central palapa. Participants stay in residential cabanas. All meals are provided within the overall cost. All field equipment, supplies, and in country transportation are also provided. For detailed information on what to expect during your time with MRP—such as daily activities, housing arrangements, and what to bring—please consult MRP's Participant Guide (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j1gptD5uplwQboocfsmwi5xMtbv0alGL/view)

Academic Credit:
3 hours of credit per 2 week session (credit offered by University of Texas at Tyler or student's home institution).