How to Apply-Draft

2021 NEH SUMMER INSTITUTE for K-12 TEACHERS 

APPLICATION INFORMATION and INSTRUCTIONS

Please review the eligibility criteria for participation in NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes as an NEH Summer Scholar.

NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes allow K-12 teachers an opportunity to enrich and revitalize their teaching through the study of humanities topics that bear upon K-12 education. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program, but the programs are not intended to duplicate graduate- level courses.

Each institute allows twenty-five to thirty-six participants (NEH Summer Scholars) to pursue an intensive program of study under a team of scholarly experts, who present a range of perspectives on a humanities topic. Participants and scholars mutually explore connections between scholarship and teaching of the topic.

In any given year, an individual may apply to two Seminars or Institutes, but may attend only one. SELECTION CRITERIA

Five institute spaces must be reserved for teachers who are new to the profession (those who have been teaching for five years or less). First consideration is given to those who have not previously attended an NEH Seminar or Institute. When choices must be made between equally qualified candidates, preference is given to those who would enhance the diversity of the program.

A selection committee is comprised of the project director and two or more colleagues, at least one of whom is a K-12 teacher. They evaluate all complete applications to select a group of NEH Summer Scholars and identify alternates.

Application essays should explain how the specific program will benefit the participant professionally. They should, therefore, address the following:

  1. your effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator;
  2. your intellectual interests as they relate to the topic of the seminar or institute;
  3. your special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the program; and
  4. evidence that participation will have a long-term impact on your teaching.

STIPEND, TENURE, AND CONDITIONS OF AWARD

Each participant will receive a stipend ($1,300). The stipend is intended to help cover basic academic expenses. Stipends are taxable.

Seminar and institute participants must attend all meetings and engage fully as professionals in the work of the project. During the project, participants may not undertake teaching assignments or professional activities unrelated to their participation in the project. Those who, for any reason, do not complete the full tenure of the project will receive a reduced stipend.

At the end of the project’s residential period, NEH Summer Scholars are expected to submit online evaluations of the seminar or institute.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to applying to a specific seminar or institute, please study the project website and carefully consider the project’s requirements. A complete application consists of the following three items:

1. A Résumé and References

Please include a résumé or curriculum vitae (not to exceed five pages). Include the name, title, phone number, and e-mail address of two professional references.

2. The Application Essay

The application essay should be no more than four double-spaced pages. It should address:

  1. your interest in the subject to be studied;
  2. your effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator;
  3. your qualifications and experiences that equip you to do the work of the institute and to make a contribution to the learning community;
  4. what you want to accomplish by participating;
  5. evidence that participation will have a long-term impact on your teaching.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS AND NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE

Applications must be submitted to the project director, not the NEH, and must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2021. Applications sent to the NEH will not be reviewed.

Submit your application here. 

Successful applicants will be notified of their selection on Friday, March 26, 2021. They will have until Friday, April 2, 2021 to accept or decline the offer.

Note: Once you have accepted an offer to attend any NEH Summer Program (NEH Summer Seminar or Institute), you may not accept an additional offer or withdraw in order to accept a different offer.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Endowment programs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age. For further information, write to the Equal Opportunity Officer, National Endowment for the Humanities, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. TDD: 202/606-8282 (this is a special telephone device for the Deaf).