A selection committee comprised of the project directors, teaching mentor, and one faculty member will review applications to select a diverse group of educators representing a range of geographic locations, teaching experiences, grade levels, and subject areas. In addition to the NEH selection criteria, priority will be given to applicants who articulate enthusiasm for the subject area and are able to state how participation in this workshop will enhance the classroom experience for their students, and how they can disseminate new knowledge and content in their professional communities.

Application Requirements

A selection committee will read and evaluate all properly completed applications. 

Special consideration is given to the likelihood that an applicant will benefit professionally and personally from the workshop experience. It is important, therefore, to address each of the following factors in the application essay:

• Your professional background;
• Your interest in the subject of the workshop;
• Your special perspectives, skills, or experiences that would contribute to the workshop; 
• How the experience would enhance your teaching or school service.

Five workshop spaces must be reserved for teachers who are new to the profession (those who have been teaching for five years or less). While recent participants are eligible to apply, selection committees are asked to give first consideration to applicants who have not participated in an NEH-supported seminar, institute, or workshop. Additionally, preference is given to applicants who would significantly contribute to the diversity of the workshop.

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Participant Eligibility

These projects are designed principally for full-time or part-time teachers and librarians in public, charter, independent, and religiously affiliated schools, as well as home schooling parents. Museum educators and other K-12 school system personnel—such asb administrators, substitute teachers, and curriculum developers—are also eligible to participate. Participants must be United States citizens, residents of U.S. jurisdictions, or foreign nationals who have been residing in the United States or its territories for at least the three years immediately preceding the application deadline. Foreign nationals teaching abroad at non-U.S. chartered institutions are not eligible to participate.

Participants may not be delinquent in the repayment of federal debt (e.g., taxes, student loans, child support payments, and delinquent payroll taxes for household or other employees).

Individuals may not apply to an NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture program whose director is a family member, is affiliated with the prospective applicant’s institution, or is someone with whom the prospective applicant has previously studied.

At least three spaces per week (up to six spaces total for a program) may be reserved for teachers who are new to the profession (five years or less of teaching experience).

To be considered eligible, applicants must submit a complete application as indicated on the individual seminar or institute’s website.

Deadlines

The application deadline is March 1, 2021.  Applicants will be notified of their selection on March 26, 2021. Those selected to be a Summer Scholar have until April 2, 2021, to accept or decline their offer.

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