Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply to Tikvah High School Summer Programs?
Tikvah High School Summer Programs accept applications from Jewish students currently (2026-27 school year) in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. We welcome applicants from all parts of the Jewish community and from all types of schools.
How many Tikvah summer programs are being offered in Summer 2027?
- Humanities Intensive at Vanderbilt (7 days, June 20-27)
- Tikvah Scholars Program at Princeton (11 days, July 26 – August 5)
- Washington, DC Institutes (5 days, August 15-19)
- Jerusalem Seminar (4 weeks, June 28 – July 25)*
*Please note that the Jerusalem Seminar is only open to alumni of 2025 or 2026 High School Summer Programs or current Solomon Fellows in good standing.
Can I apply to multiple programs for Summer 2027?
Yes, you can apply to multiple programs for Summer 2027. Admissions decisions for each program are made on a program-by-program basis. Acceptance into one program does not guarantee acceptance into all the programs for which you applied.
What does tuition include?
Tuition includes seminars, housing, food, trips, and activities during the program.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, full and partial need-based tuition scholarships are available. Students will have the opportunity to apply for need-based scholarships upon acceptance to the program. We are committed to ensuring that no student will be turned away because of financial need.
What are the housing and rooming arrangements?
Students will be paired with a roommate. We encourage students to connect with new friends on the program, and do not accept roommate requests. Male and female students will be housed on separate floors. Linens will be provided.
What are the religious arrangements?
All meals and snacks served on the program will be strictly kosher.
There will be a daily minyan for shacharit, mincha, and ma’ariv in an Orthodox structure (with separate seating for men and women). In the morning, there will be an alternative to minyan in the form of a serious text study.
During mincha and ma’ariv (afternoon and evening prayers), the entire program will assemble together. During this time, we encourage students who want an alternative to prayer to read, reflect, or meditate.
The program will be conducted in accord with halakhic standards of behavior.
Do I need to have a Jewish studies background to participate in the program?
No. While many of our participants attend Jewish day schools or yeshivot, the program’s course flexibility means that an intensive Jewish studies background is not necessary to participate. We are committed to the intellectual quality of the experience for each participant, and will work with students to ensure that they are placed in an environment that is appropriately challenging.
About 50 percent of our students attend Jewish day schools, and 50 percent attend public schools, independent private schools, community schools, charter schools, and are homeschooled.
Do I need to observe Jewish laws to participate in the program?
No, we do not expect that students have a background in observing Jewish laws. We do expect that all students uphold the laws of kashrut and modest behavior in all public spaces over the course of the program. For programs that include a shabbat component, our expectation is that students refrain from using technology in public spaces.
Is there transportation to the program?
Families are responsible for planning and covering the cost of their student’s travel to and from the program. Tikvah and our staff are unable to be responsible for students before the start of the program or after its conclusion. In most cases, Tikvah can offer a bus or chaperone from the airport or train station provided that students arrive and depart within a specified window of the program start and end time. Information about transportation to and from each program will be shared with participants after acceptance into the program.
What happens after I apply?
All applications are reviewed by our admissions committee. Finalists will receive an invitation to interview. Final decisions will be released in March. More information about the application timeline is available on the Application Portal.
