National History Academy Scholarships

About

What if you had the opportunity not just to learn American history, but to live it?

Spend your summer at the National History Academy’s Residential Summer Program for rising 10th through 12th grade students, June 28–July 25, 2026, on the campus of the Foxcroft School just outside Washington, DC. Walk in the footsteps of leaders who helped define and shape the American story, including presidents, civil rights leaders, and soldiers who fought for the birth and survival of the nation. See and learn about seminal documents that shaped our history from subject matter experts and master teachers. Get behind-the-scenes access to historic sites no other program can provide.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute and the National History Academy are once again partnering to provide twenty scholarships exclusively to students at schools in our Affiliate School Program. These scholarships for the four-week residential summer program are inclusive of room, board, learning materials, and transportation and admission to historic sites. Transportation to and from the Foxcroft School for the program itself will not be covered by the scholarship.

To apply for the Gilder Lehrman–National History Academy Scholarships, click the button below to be taken to the National History Academy application. When asked how you heard about the National History Academy, choose “Gilder Lehrman Institute.” The priority deadline is March 3.

Apply

A group of seven students from the National History Academy in green uniforms posed around a bronze statue

Testimonials

I found the most valuable things I learned were about myself, in some senses. I had a strong sense of finding my crowd, so to speak, at the program, and my interest in public policy, history, and political science, and my desire to pursue these further in college and beyond, was reaffirmed.

—William M., Walnut Creek, CA

I would not have been able to fund the camp had I not received Gilder Lehrman’s scholarship, and I’m so glad I did. Mainly, my advice would be to think about why history is so important to you and your everyday life, because this camp will definitely amplify that.

—Audrey S., Madison, NC

As a resident of a US territory, it was my first time actually being in the States, so being able to come to the States and see all the historical sites and everything I can possibly learn from US history is just amazing. And now that I’m taking AP US History, it puts a sense of the fact that I was there, and it’s so special for me.

—Jenny Z., Saipan, MP

Additional Info

About National History Academy

National History Academy is a four-week residential summer program for rising high school 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students, held in Middleburg, Virginia. Each July, students come together to explore American history through immersive, hands-on learning experiences that take them to key historical sites. With a unique blend of classroom discussions and travel-based education, the program offers students a deeper understanding of history and its relevance to the present and future.

Eligibility

National History Academy is a 4-week residential summer program based in Middleburg, Virginia, for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students with an interest in American history.

How to Apply

Students interested in attending should submit an application that includes their GPA, test scores, and a short essay. Students may include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or community leader, and some may be asked to participate in a brief phone or Zoom interview. When completing the application, you will have the opportunity to state that you heard about the opportunity via the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee and judged on the maturity of response and understanding of the topic. Students whose applications are successful will be invited to register for the National History Academy.

Admissions decisions are made monthly on a rolling basis.

Teaching Assistants

National History Academy is passionate about teaching students American history through an innovative, place-based approach, and their staff plays a vital role in this experience.

The National History Academy is seeking Counselors and Teaching Assistants from History, Government, and Pre-Law programs at colleges and universities nationwide, as well as social media and videography interns, and nursing interns. They will receive room and board, along with a stipend.

Candidates interested in applying for a position should submit a resume and cover letter stating the position and their interest in the National History Academy to Michelle Burrelli at michelle@historycamp.com.

Teach Where History Happened: Become a Gilder Lehrman–National History Academy Teaching Fellow

The National History Academy brings American history to life through an innovative, place-based learning experience—and teachers are at the heart of it. This summer, we are inviting five outstanding high school educators from our Affiliate School network to join the National History Academy as Gilder Lehrman–National History Academy Teaching Fellows to help inspire the next generation of civic-minded high school leaders.

Teaching Fellows will dive into a powerful, case-based curriculum that transforms how students understand America’s story. They will explore historic sites alongside students, engage in lively discussions rooted in primary sources, and experience firsthand the places where our nation’s defining moments unfolded.

This teaching fellowship is designed to be an enriching, career-defining opportunity for exceptional high school history teachers nationwide. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues, connect with leading historians, and return to your classroom reinvigorated and inspired.

Key Information:

Staff training is June 23–27, 2026, and the National History Academy is June 28–July 25, 2026.
Teacher Fellows receive a transformative professional experience, room and board, and a $5,000 stipend.
To apply, send your resume and cover letter detailing your interest in the position to Michelle Burrelli at michelle@historycamp.com.

The Teacher Fellow Experience

“Beyond the incredible travel opportunities, NHA has had a lasting impact on my teaching. I came away with new methodologies, strategies, and a fresh perspective that I was able to bring back to my own classroom. The collaborative environment among teachers and TAs from across the country, paired with the chance to work with students from around the world, pushed me to grow as both a teacher and a learner. The Braver Angels debates and the case method discussions challenged both students and teachers to step outside of their comfort zones and engage with complex issues in thoughtful ways. These moments not only gave students tools to practice civil discourse but also gave me new strategies for facilitating meaningful and often challenging discussions in my own classroom.”

Katie Smolar
Gavit High School, Hammond, Indiana

“I thoroughly enjoyed my role as an NHA teacher. The Academy has allowed me to rediscover my love for history through programming such as the Braver Angels debates and educational field trips to historic sites in the region in and around our nation’s capital. I have become a better educator and have shared my experiences with my students both at the K12 level and at the University of Virginia.”

A Black man wearing a dark blue cap with orange piping and a blue polo shirt.

Hashim Davis
Assistant Dean, University of Virginia; Director of UVA’s Luther Jackson Black Cultural Center

“Working alongside other experienced teachers from around the country allowed for an incredibly collaborative environment where you could not only learn from the experts at historical sites, but also highly dedicated colleagues who could provide a variety of solutions, teaching models, and classroom activities to try on a daily basis. I still keep in touch with my former colleagues from NHA because of how much fun we had as a team, and how much we continue to grow as educators by sharing resources and ideas years later.”

a white woman wearing a light blue cardigan and necklace and a white shirt.

Char Green
Rye Country Day School, Rye, New York

“The firsthand experiences I gained visiting historic sites through NHA have enriched my own teaching, allowing me to bring history to life for my students. The stories I shared from the Academy even inspired one of my students to apply—and receive a scholarship—to attend. NHA continues to shape not just my career, but the next generation of historians and engaged citizens.”

a bespectacled white woman wearing a black shirt and a double-stranded necklace.

Brittany Moore
Fleming Island High School, Jacksonville, Florida

“As an AP US History and US History teacher, I too gained insights to more detailed stories and experiences that I was able to bring back to my classroom. Visiting historic sites and battlefields, museums and memorials brought the history of our nation alive for the students in the History Camp program like no other experience can. Additionally, phenomenal guest speakers shared insights and shared their passions that also helped the students make deeper connections to the material we learned in the classroom at NHA.”

Lisa Kallmes
Early College High School at Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware