# Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council

National council of history-minded students in grades 8-12 who meet monthly online with Gilder Lehrman curators, historians, and guest speakers and advise the Institute on its programs. Applications are open nationwide.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 8–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.gilderlehrman.org/SAC-Application |

## About this program

# Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council

Created in 2014, the Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council (SAC) is the Institute's standing body of middle and high school students who care about American history. It has grown to more than 200 members nationwide and internationally. Members meet virtually during the school year on the second Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. ET, which makes it one of the few genuinely national history programs a student can join without travel or tuition.

## What You'll Do

- Give the Institute structured feedback on its programs, resources, and materials for young people
- Study a critical document in American history each month with a curator from the Gilder Lehrman Collection
- Hear presentations from guest speakers, visiting historians, and fellow council members
- Present your own work to the council - members regularly lead sessions themselves
- Attend book talks and special events; past sessions have included historians such as Annette Gordon-Reed and Q&As with the Broadway cast of Hamilton

## Who Should Apply

Students in grades 8-12 with a demonstrated interest in history. The application asks for an application form and the names of two faculty contacts; applicants are notified by email if selected.

## Outcomes

Members build a year-round relationship with a major research institute in American history, direct access to curators and historians, and a distinctive, sustained credential for history-focused college applications.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council?

Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council is open to students in grades 8–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council online or in person?

Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Gilder Lehrman Student Advisory Council?

Apply directly through Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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