Instructions

On this site you will find detailed information about the topic under study, project requirements and expectations of the participants, the academic and institutional setting, and specific provisions for lodging and subsistence. Before you attempt to complete an application, please read carefully the description of the project and check out the Program. All application materials must be sent to the project directors by using the Application Submission Form on the Application page). Application materials sent to the Endowment will not be reviewed.

CHECKLIST OF APPLICATION MATERIALS

A completed application consists of the following collated items:

• the application cover sheet 
• a detailed résumé
• an application essay as outlined below
• two reference letters. 

Please note the following instructions for submitting your application.

• The application cover sheet
  
  The application cover sheet must be filled out online at this address: 
  https://securegrants.neh.gov/education/participants/
  
  Please fill it out online as directed by the prompts. When you are finished, be sure to click on the “submit” button. Save the cover sheet as a PDF document (using the print to pdf function on your computer) and add it to your application package. At this point you will be asked if you want to fill out a cover sheet for another project. If you do, follow the prompts and select another project and then print out the cover sheet for that project. Note that filling out a cover sheet is not the same as applying, so there is no penalty for changing your mind and filling out cover sheets for several projects. A full application consists of the items listed above, as sent to a project director.


• Résumé
  Please include a detailed résumé, curriculum vitae, or brief biography (not to exceed five pages).


• The Application Essay
  The application essay should be no more than four double spaced pages. This essay should include any relevant personal and academic information. It should address reasons for applying; the applicant's interest, both academic and personal, in the subject to be studied; qualifications and experiences that equip the applicant to do the work of the institute and to make a contribution to a learning community; a statement of what the applicant wants to accomplish by participating; and the relation of the project to the applicant's professional responsibilities.  Applicants to institutes need to elaborate on the relationship between institute activities and their responsibilities for teaching and curricular development. 


• Reference Letters
  The two referees may be from inside or outside the applicant’s home institution. They should be familiar with the applicant's professional accomplishments or promise, teaching and/or research interests, and ability to contribute to and benefit from participation in the institute. Referees should be provided with the director's description of the seminar or institute and the applicant's essay. Applicants who are current graduate students should secure a letter from a professor or advisor. Enclose the letters with your application. Alternatively, if your referees prefer to send their letters under separate cover, please ask them to email them to neh.self.knowledge@gmail.com using your last name on the subject line.