Application Information and Instructions

Please review the eligibility criteria for participation in NEH Summer Institutes as an NEH Summer Scholar at this link.

NEH Institutes provide opportunities for college and university faculty to enrich and revitalize their understanding, scholarship, and teaching of humanities topics that bear upon undergraduate education. These specific study opportunities 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. 

For further details on how to apply, please click here.

Selection Criteria

A selection committee comprised of the three project directors evaluates 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 quality and commitment as a teacher, scholar, and interpreter of the humanities;
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;
4. evidence that participation will enhance your long-term teaching and scholarship; and
5. if appropriate, an independent project and its potential contribution to the seminar or institute. 

We seek to create a diverse cohort of college and university teachers interested in exploring how Jewish history—and creative pedagogy—can enrich broader narratives of the American South. We especially encourage scholars of southern history and literature, Jewish studies, ethnic studies, religious studies, public history, and museum studies to apply.

Five spaces are reserved for non-tenured or non-tenure track instructors. Up to three spaces will be reserved for advanced graduate students. 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 $2,100 for the two-week institute to help cover travel, housing, meals, and other expenses. Stipends are taxable.

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 an online evaluation of the institute. 

 

For further details on how to apply, please click here.

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