Scholarships and Travel Grants

The NHC strives to make the Summer Institute accessible to all who want to participate; our goal is that no one will be unable to participate in the Summer Institute for financial reasons. To apply for a scholarship, follow the instructions below, and indicate on the Registration Form the amount of the full registration fees that you are able to pay. Decisions regarding the first round of support will be made starting May 3, after which support will be distributed on a rolling basis, depending on available funds. The NHC asks that applicants assess their own ability to pay as honestly and accurately as possible.

The NHC recognizes that financial matters can be very sensitive, and pledges that each applicant’s financial information will remain confidential, shared only with the members of the scholarship committee. If you can afford to pay the full price of Institute, please do so. If you can’t afford the full price, please pay as much as you can. And if you are able to make a tax-deductible contribution toward the scholarship fund, please do that, too, so that everyone who wants to attend has the opportunity to do so.

Application

If you are applying for a scholarship or travel grant, please include a deposit of at least $300 per person and complete the section on scholarships on the registration website. If you are registering by mail, send answers to the following questions along with your registration to the NHC office: 1) How much of your NHC Summer Institute registration fees would be at full rates and how much of this you (and your family, if applicable) can afford to pay. 2) Any additional details or circumstances you feel are relevant, including the cost of travel, if applicable. After May 3, you will be informed whether your application has been approved. All balances are due by June 14. The deposit is completely refundable if your request is not approved and you are unable to attend.

Scholarship applications submitted after June 30 will be considered only if funds remain. Prospective applicants can check with the NHC office at that time. It may be possible to secure financial help to attend the Institute from other sources. Some synagogue members have secured assistance from their rabbi’s discretionary fund; some Jewish educators have received support as a form of professional development; and some college students have obtained financial help from Hillel or chaplain conference funds. Residents of Western Massachusetts should check out the Harold Grinspoon Foundation  for scholarship funds for teens. Jewish federations may have similar funds for children’s participation in Kids' Camp. Before concluding that you can’t afford to join us, research your resources — and ask!