The SWI is exclusive to scholars from our Institutional Sponsor universities and colleges. It is designed to provide dedicated writing time, along with expert guidance in writing and publishing to significantly advance scholarly projects. The program fosters a supportive cohort community to encourage intellectual exchange among participants.
“It’s quite remarkable how effectively the NHC creates a uniformly welcoming and warm environment. It felt kind of extraordinary, to be honest.” –2025 SWI participant
Nomination and Application Process
Due to high demand, the 2026 institute will employ a formal application and review process for all nominees. A total of 20 slots will be available for the 2026 session. The process requires two steps:
Nomination: Faculty must first be nominated by their home Institutional Sponsor.
Application: Nominated candidates will then be asked to complete a separate application for competitive selection by the NHC. Completed applications are due February 23, 2026.
Sponsors should use this form to nominate candidates for the SWI 2026 by the deadline of January 29, 2026.
“I walked away feeling immensely privileged to have been in community at the NHC, and I am convinced that the NHC is a place where community members can flourish. It’s idyllic and unlike any academic place I’ve ever been. It was hard leaving.” –2025 SWI participant
“It was one of the best scholarly experiences in all my years in academia. The group dynamic was so generous, kind, and supportive. The workshops that focused on writing allowed us to focus on something that’s so intimate to all of us (we do spend hours and hours writing and struggling with writing alone). That was very special and liberating to think about that process together.” –2025 SWI participant
What to Expect at the Institute
Participants will benefit from:
- Dedicated, uninterrupted time in a private study to focus on their writing project.
- Group sessions and individual consultation with acclaimed writing coach Helen Betya Rubinstein.
- Group sessions and individual consultation with developmental and/or acquisitions editors from respected academic presses.
- Opportunities to learn more about the NHC Residential Fellowship and other applicable programs.
Program Cost
The total program cost for each participant is $4,000. This fee covers: lodging at the Hyatt House Brier Creek, a private study at the NHC, daily transportation to and from the Center, breakfast and lunch each day, institute programming, speakers, and technology support. If a participant is local and does not need lodging, the fee is reduced to $2,700.
Questions?
Please email us at scholarlyprograms@nationalhumanitiescenter.org.