Application

The Class of 2026 application will open on September 1, 2025.

 

Each team will submit a single application as a PDF document emailed to %20normandy-instituteatgwu [dot] edu (normandy-institute[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Please download the consent form and contact information form using the links provided.


Required Components

  1. Contact information for the student and teacher members of the team and student's parent or legal guardian
  2. Two statements -- one from the student, one from the teacher -- briefly explaining your interest in the Normandy Institute and sharing a bit about yourself (1500 word max each)
  3. Teacher's resume
  4. A letter from the teacher's supervisor confirming employment as well as a recommendation for the Institute
  5. A brief explanation by the teacher of why they chose the student (1500 word max)
  6. Two signed consent forms -- one for the teacher, one for the student; parental or legal guardian signature required on student's consent form

Important Information

Academic Information: This is a college-level program, requiring around 100 pages of reading biweekly along with writing and viewing assignments. Online Zoom discussion sessions take place on Wednesdays biweekly during the Spring semester from 8-9pm ET. 

Physical Requirements: All Institute participants must be able to stand for an hour and be able to walk significant distances (up to 2 miles at a time) over sandy, rocky, or hilly terrain. Daily walking during the travel portion of the Institute ranges around 5 to 10 miles per day in high heat and humidity.

Travel Information: For lodging, all participants will be in double occupancy in hotels -- teachers with teachers, students with students -- with one student triple room. Travel dates for 2026 are posted under Program Overview.