Application

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

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

• Contact Information Form (PDF)
• Waiver and Consent Form (PDF)

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.