2025 NEH Summer Institute Application Information and Instructions for 6–12 Teachers
NEH Summer Institutes allow teachers to enrich and revitalize their teaching through the study of humanities topics that bear upon education. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program, but the programs are not intended to duplicate graduate-level courses.
This institute allows twenty-five participants 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.
Note: In any given year, an individual may apply to two Seminars or Institutes but may attend only one.
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 as 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 resided in the United States or its territories for at least three years immediately preceding the application deadline.
Ineligible Applicants: Foreign nationals teaching abroad at non-U.S. chartered institutions and individuals delinquent in federal debt repayments are not eligible.
Special Note: Three seminar spaces and five institute spaces may be reserved for teachers new to the profession (those teaching for five years or less).
A selection committee comprising the project director and at least two colleagues (including one K–12 teacher) evaluates complete applications to select NEH-funded Summer Scholars and identify alternates.
Before applying to a seminar or institute, carefully review the project website and requirements.
Applications are accepted in ONE FORMAT:
Application deadline: March 5, 2025 (online or postmarked).
Notifications of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent via email by April 2, 2025.
Accepted applicants must confirm participation by April 16, 2025.
Important: Applications sent directly to NEH will not be reviewed.
Once an applicant accepts an offer to attend an NEH Summer Program (Seminar, Institute, or Landmark), they may not accept another offer or withdraw to attend a different program.
Each participant will receive a stipend of $2,200 (taxable) for the two-week institute. The stipend helps cover institute-related expenses, including books assigned but not provided by the institute team and other academic costs.
Stipend payment will be made after institute completion in August 2025.
Participants are expected to remain for the entire program period and fully engage in its work. If special circumstances require a participant to leave early, a pro-rated share of the stipend will be adjusted or returned.
At the end of the program, NEH Summer Scholars must submit online evaluations of the seminar or institute.
For comments or concerns, contact NEH at info@neh.gov.