A selection committee composed of both co-directors plus one additional colleague in the field will evaluate all complete applications and select participants. Alternates will also be identified.


Participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Applicant’s demonstrated interest in the subject

• Applicant’s goals in participating in the institute

• Relevant qualifications, skills or experiences that would contribute to the institute

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When choices must be made between equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to those who have not previously attended an NEH Seminar or Institute.

At least five institute spaces will be reserved for non-tenured/non-tenure-track faculty members. Three institute spaces will be reserved for advanced graduate students. Institutes are designed primarily for full-time or part-time faculty who teach undergraduate students in the United States. Qualified independent scholars, advanced graduate students, and those employed by museums, libraries, historical societies, and other organizations are also eligible. All applicants must demonstrate that their participation will advance the teaching and scholarly goals of the program. Applicants 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 three years immediately preceding the application deadline. Foreign nationals teaching abroad at non-U.S. chartered institutions are not eligible to apply.


An applicant need not have an advanced degree in order to qualify as an NEH-funded Summer Scholar. Individuals may not apply to an NEH Summer Institute whose directors are a family member, is affiliated with the prospective applicant’s institution, or is someone with whom the prospective applicant has previously studied. Click here to review further details regarding NEH eligibility.