The deadline for applying to our 2021 seminar has passed. Thanks to everyone who applied!
Eligibility
Are you eligible to participate in an NEH Summer Seminar?
NEH Summer Seminars 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 seminar provides an intimate and focused environment in which sixteen participants (NEH Summer Scholars) study a specific humanities topic under the guidance of one or two established scholars. Seminars have few, if any, visiting faculty. They emphasize sustained interaction among the participants and director(s) through discussion of common readings, conversations about teaching, and advising on independent projects.
In any given year, an individual may apply to two Seminars, Institutes, or Landmarks, but may attend only one.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee is comprised of the project directors 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:
- your effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator;
- your intellectual interests as they relate to the topic of the seminar or institute;
- your special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the program; and
- evidence that participation will have a long-term impact on your teaching.
Three seminar spaces have been reserved for teachers who are new to the profession (those who have been teaching for five years or fewer). 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.
Stipend, Tenure, and Conditions of Award
Each participant will receive a stipend of $2850. The stipend is intended to help cover expenses related to the seminar. Stipends are taxable.
Seminar 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 two 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 your interest in the subject to be studied; qualifications and experiences that equip you to do the work of the seminar or institute and to make a contribution to the learning community; a statement of what you want to accomplish by participating; and, if appropriate, description of an independent project and its relation to your professional responsibilities.
Submission of Applications and Notification Procedures
Applications must be submitted to the seminar co-directors, not the NEH, and must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on March 1, 2021. Applications sent to the NEH will not be reviewed.
You may submit your completed application electronically by using our Document Portal. Save your completed résumé and application essay as separate files that include your last name in the file name, for example “last name_essay.” Accepted document formats are .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .rtf.
When your documents are ready, complete the contact information on the Document Portal. At the bottom of the page, attach both documents (application essay and résumé) before you submit the form. Applicants who are missing any of the required documents will not be considered.
Should you experience any difficulties with the document submission form or if you need to submit application materials as hard copies instead of electronically, please contact us. Be sure to submit your application materials before the deadline!
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).