The Alabama Community Scholars Institute (ACSI) provides training in the research, documentation, presentation, and promotion of Alabama folklife. Held as a multi-day workshop, participants hail from various fields, including the arts, humanities, history, music, community development, youth programming, and cultural tourism, among others. Anyone with an interest in Alabama folklife is encouraged to apply, and no prior training is necessary.

ACSI has trained 80+ scholars who have researched a range of topics, including midwifery, gospel, medicinal herbs, family farming, Decoration Days, quilting, walking sticks, foodways, brass bands, fishing, coal mining, railroads, paper mills, pottery, spirituals, folktales, mining families, and many more. Scholars have explored African American, Poarch Creek, Croatian, Latino, and West African cultures, as well as various communities, counties, and regions in Alabama. Their research is included in the Archive of Alabama Folk Culture at the Alabama Dept. of Archives and History.

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