How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 Summer Institute are closed as of March 6th.
You will be notified on April 6, 2026. You have two weeks—by April 17, 2026—to accept or decline the offer.
NEH Participant Eligibility
In any given year, an individual may apply to a maximum of two Seminars or Institutes, but may attend only one. Click here for additional NEH eligibility criteria.
Applying
A complete application consists of the following items:
- A Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (Not to exceed five pages)
- The Application Essay
The application essay should be 3-4 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 Institute and to make a contribution to the learning community; a statement of what you want to accomplish by participating; and, if appropriate, a description of a relevant, independent project in relation to the Institute topic and your professional responsibilities.
Prior to applying to the institute, please study the project website and carefully consider the project’s requirements. Click below to access the application.
Selection Criteria
A selection committee, comprised of the project co-directors and two FWP scholars, will evaluate all complete applications to select a group of participants and identify alternates. They will consider:
- your effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator;
- your intellectual interests and pursuits as they relate to the topic of the institute;
- your perspectives, skills, or experiences that will contribute to the program;
- evidence that your participation will have a long-term impact on your teaching
Categories of preference:
- five institute spaces reserved for non-tenured/non-tenure track faculty
- three spaces reserved for advanced graduate students
- primary consideration given to those who have not previously attended an NEH Summer Seminar or Institute.
- HBCU, HSI, and tribal college faculty strongly encouraged to apply
- Among equally qualified candidates, preference given to those who would enhance the diversity of the program
Stipend, Tenure, and Conditions of Award
Participants will receive a stipend of $2,850 for participating in the three-week Institute, which will take place virtually for the first and third week and in person at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for the second week.
Half will be paid to the participant at the beginning of the institute and half at the end. Project applicants who accept an offer to participate are expected to remain for the entire period of the program and to participate on a full-time basis.
If a participant is obliged through extenuating circumstances to depart before the end of the program, they will receive a pro-rated stipend. The full amount of Institute hours must be completed in order to receive the full stipend. Note that the entire stipend is considered taxable income.
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