# Tikvah Scholars Program

Selective residential great-books institute for 10th-12th graders held with Princeton's James Madison Program: Hebrew Bible and Talmud, philosophy and literature, ethics, politics, and economics. Need-based scholarships available.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The Tikvah Fund |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Princeton, NJ |
| Apply | https://tikvah.org/tsp/application-details/ |

## About this program

# Tikvah Scholars Program

The Tikvah Scholars Program is a residential summer institute for high school students, run in cooperation with the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. Over roughly eleven days, scholars read foundational works across several traditions - the Hebrew Bible and Talmud, philosophy and literature, ethics and culture - and use them to argue about politics, economics, Zionist thought, and Judaism. Admission is selective and based on writing quality rather than test scores.

## What You'll Do

- Study foundational texts in seminar with university faculty and visiting scholars
- Take courses spanning Hebrew Bible and Talmud, philosophy and literature, and ethics and culture
- Debate questions in politics, economics, and Zionist thought with a cohort of peers
- Live and study on the Princeton University campus for the duration of the program

## Who Should Apply

Current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The application asks for two short writing responses and a reference who can speak to your strengths; select applicants are invited to a short video interview. Candidates are chosen on "the quality and depth of their writing, demonstration of virtuous character and potential for leadership, and ability to clearly communicate their opinions and interests."

## Outcomes

Scholars gain seminar experience at a level normally reserved for undergraduates, a national cohort of intellectually serious peers, and access to Tikvah's continuing programming for high school and college students. Full and partial need-based tuition scholarships are available and Tikvah states that no student is turned away because of need.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Tikvah Scholars Program?

Tikvah Scholars Program is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Tikvah Scholars Program online or in person?

Tikvah Scholars Program is an in-person program based in Princeton, NJ.

### How do I apply to Tikvah Scholars Program?

Apply directly through The Tikvah Fund'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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