Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is a three-week residential program where rising high school juniors and seniors explore the big questions at the heart of the humanities in seminars led by Stanford professors.

Become a Humanities Scholar

Grow as a scholar, writer, and global citizen this summer. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute empowers participants to gain a better sense of the world through exploring the humanities. Participants will engage with the breadth of topics within the humanities, from politics to literature to philosophy.

Live in a vibrant, intellectual community on Stanford University’s campus for three weeks.

Stanford Faculty

Stanford professors lead all of the courses with talented graduate students, sharing their expertise and passions with participants.

Passionate Peers

Study alongside fellow participants interested in better understanding contemporary society and global history.

Unique Courses

Participants will be admitted to one of the courses they ranked in their application. These courses will offer in depth exploration of the stated topic. Course topics range from the American Enlightenment, ancient Greek philosophy, the repatriation of museum-held artifacts, and more.

Discover Academic Freedom

Explore the humanities at a college level, investigate philosophical questions, and pursue exciting research topics that are chosen by each participant.

Free Webinar–Think Beyond: Why Humanities Matter

October 29, 2024 • 5:00 - 6:00 pm (PT)

The American model of higher education is not intended to be purely vocational, but is designed to develop well-rounded individuals. Join Dan Edelstein, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute Faculty Director and William H. Bosnall Professor of French at Stanford University, in this insightful webinar to explore the critical role of the humanities in a college education.

Discover why the humanities are essential for success in today’s complex world. By understanding the past, questioning the present, and envisioning the future, the humanities help you cultivate a deeper understanding of the world. It not only fosters personal growth but prepares you for diverse academic and career paths, empowering you to navigate and shape the future.

Join the Webinar to:

Learn how the study of humanities can broaden your intellectual horizons.
Meet and speak with our Admissions and Outreach Team about the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute application process and program details.
Participate in a Q&A session where you can ask questions about Stanford Summer Humanities Institute experience or application.

Whether you're curious about the humanities or eager to learn more about Stanford Summer Humanities Institute, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you take the next step.

Register Now

Application Now Closed

Our application for the 2024 Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is now closed. To learn about future opportunities, please join our mailing list.

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2024 Program Dates

Courses will be offered across two sessions. Each session runs for three weeks, with courses meeting Monday–Friday. Students participate in field trips and organized activities on the weekends. Participants will only be admitted to one course.

Session One

June 23, 2024 - July 12, 2024*

Arrival Day: June 23, 2024
Departure Day: July 12, 2024

*Note: Due to the immersive nature of this program and limited duration of the program, class will meet as scheduled on July 4, 2024 during Session I.

Session Two

July 14, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Arrival Day: July 14, 2024
Departure Day: August 2, 2024

Attendance Policy

Participants must be fully involved in the program and should be present for all program activities. Students are required to arrive on designated arrival dates and remain until the end of the program. All activities, including co-curricular programming, are designed to provide participants with a well-rounded experience both inside and outside of the classroom. Participants should only miss scheduled activities for health reasons, religious observances, or family emergencies.

The Humanities Thrive at Stanford

Impactful Topics

Stanford faculty and staff talk about the impact of the humanities for high school students.

The goal of the Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is to bring together high school students who are particularly interested in the humanities so that they can experience what a humanities class and what humanities research is like at a strong research university.