Summer Institute Frequently Asked Questions
Which institute should I apply for?
If you are a teacher or a small team (3-5) of teachers from a school or district, apply for one of our MUSE Summer Institutes for School Teams and Individuals. If you are a group of 18-25 educators from one school or district, consider applying for the district or school scholarships.
What are the District and School Scholarships?
We will award two scholarships for this summer; one to a district and one to a school on the basis of a competitive application. The final application deadline is Friday, February 20 for these two institutes. The institutes will be held at Science House during the following weeks:
- MUSE District Institute: June 22-26, 2009
- MUSE Elementary School Institute: August 24-28, 2009
How much is the value of these scholarships?
If you were to contract the Science Museum for this work and pay for stipends, the cost for a local district or school would be over $25,000 and over $35,000 for districts from Greater Minnesota. We ask that the district or school contribute only $3000 to this institute to demonstrate commitment. In cases of demonstrated financial hardship, please contact
to discuss further options.
What are the MUSE Summer Institutes for School Teams and Individuals?
Individuals and small teams should apply for one of the following MUSE Summer Institutes for School Teams and Individuals:
- MUSE Elementary School Teacher Institute: July 13-17, 2009 at Science House
- MUSE Middle School Teacher Institute: July 20-24, 2009 at Science House
- MUSE High School Teacher Institute: July 27-31, 2009 at Science House
- MUSE/Winona State University Elementary Teacher Institute: August 3-7, 2009 in Rochester
Are these individual institutes free?
Yes! We cover everything: labor, parking, food, materials, lodging, and credit or stipend.
How do I apply for an institute?
Individuals and small teams should apply online. Schools and districts interested in our scholarship institutes should download a pdf application from our website and either fax, mail, or email it to us.
When are the application deadlines?
Early decision application deadline for individuals and small teams: Friday, February 20
School and district scholarship application deadline: Friday, February 20
Final application deadline for individuals and small teams: Friday, April 3
What does "early decision" mean?
We're trying an early decision deadline just like colleges do to help teachers make their summer plans. If you're accepted into the early decision, you have the option to accept or decline and then we know how many slots we have open and you know how to schedule your summer.
Can I apply for more than one institute?
Yes. You can apply for either the school or the district scholarship and also apply online as an individual or small team to one of the other institutes. If your school or district is awarded the scholarship, we'll pull your individual application for the other institute. If you don't get the scholarship, then you'll be considered for the individual or small team institute. If you are eligible for more than one institute, you are welcome to apply for multiple institutes, but you will likely only be accepted to one.
What if I attended a MUSE institute last summer?
You are still eligible for the school or district scholarship institutes. However, priority will be given to new participants for the individual and small team institutes.