Application

We encourage all K-12 teachers to consider submitting an application. Project staff hope to attract and serve a diverse pool of educators representing all regions of the country and many disciplines.

A stipend of $2200 will be issued to compensate participants for their time commitment and to help defray the costs of participation, which may include expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals. This stipend amount is determined by the NEH and is taxable as income.

An application consists of:

  • A completed Google form with basic personal and professional information

  • An uploaded résumé, curriculum vitae, or brief biography (no more than 2 pages)

  • An uploaded application essay addressing the required prompts (2-3 pages), keeping in mind the selection criteria


The most important part of your application is the essay. In 2-3 pages (double-spaced), please explain:

  1. Your reasons for applying to this NEH institute.

  2. Your relevant personal and academic information. 

  3. Your qualifications to participate in and contribute to this institute.

  4. What you hope to accomplish by attending the institute.

  5. How participating in the institute will enhance the material that you teach.

A selection committee composed of the project director, co-directors, director of teacher support, master teacher, and a social studies instructional specialist will read and evaluate all completed applications. We see a variety of backgrounds, knowledge, and experiences as an asset for the program. The selection committee will weigh:

  1. Effectiveness and commitment as a teacher/educator.

  2. Intellectual interests, in general and as they relate to the work of the project.

  3. Ability to bring institute content into the classroom and the likelihood that the experience will enhance the applicant’s teaching.

  4. Special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the collegial mission of the institute.

  5. Goals for what the applicant hopes to gain from the program.

Please read all application instructions, eligibility information, and selection criteria carefully before submission.

In addition to basic personal and professional information, the application form will also ask candidates to disclose any prior academic training or professional development the applicant has experienced under the leadership of Cara Ward, Tiffany Gilbert, or Lynn Mollenauer.


Do NOT send your application materials to the National Endowment for the Humanities or hard copies of materials to any of the participating institutions. All materials must be submitted to the Google Form in order to be evaluated.​


If you are unable to complete the application online for any reason, please reach out to wardcf@uncw.edu.

Please refer to this previously recorded applicant webinar to address any questions that you may have about the application or institute.

Successful applicants will be notified of their selection on April 5, 2023. They will have until April 19, 2023, to accept or decline the offer. Once an applicant has accepted an offer to attend any NEH Summer Program (Seminar, Institute, or Landmark), they 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).