History Skills Academy 2027
for High School Students
What is it?
The Hoover History Skills Academy offers high school students an unparalleled two-week learning opportunity on the Hoover campus at Stanford University to master best practices for designing, researching, and writing a substantive historical research paper using the extraordinary historical materials in the famed Hoover Library and Archives.
The Hoover History Lab is partnering with The Concord Review (TCR), publishers of America’s only journal for exceptional historical research papers written by high-school students. TCR is an experienced operator of in-person history camps for high-school students and will provide its own trained teachers and well-developed curriculum for this event, alongside Hoover’s own historians. Students may also take advantage of submitting their finished paper for possible publication in TCR’s journal as a pre-collegiate academic accomplishment.
Any history topic may be proposed for the research project. Topics for which the Hoover Library & Archives offers unique primary sources include those listed in their online collections and guides. (The main Stanford University library may also be utilized for other specialized research needs.)
Who is Eligible?
All secondary-school students and rising 9th graders between the ages of 14 and 18 are eligible to apply.
Residential Program
To better support an immersive experience for our students, this year the program will be residential-only. There is no daily-commuter option. All participants must stay on campus for the duration of the program. Students will be housed in Stanford dorms under supervision. Meals will be provided at an assigned campus dining hall or other venue.
Program Deadlines
Early Application: December 31, 2026*
Regular Application: February 28, 2027
Cancellation Policy:
Until 2/28/2027: 100% refund
March 1 - March 31, 2027: 50% refund
April 1 – April 30, 2027: 25% refund.
After May 1, 2027: No refund will be made for any reason.
*Due to heavy interest in this program, we recommend applying by the Early Application deadline if possible.
How to Apply
Applications and registration are handled through our event partner, The Concord Review. To apply, visit the TCR website.
Questions?
Email Cheryl Steets at the Hoover History Lab, here.
Read a summary of our 2025 Academy here.
