History Skills Academy 2026

The Hoover History Skills Academy offers high school students an unparalleled two-week learning opportunity on the Hoover campus 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 Hoover event. 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 L&A 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.)

All secondary-school students are eligible to apply.

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.

Early Application: December 31, 2025

Regular Application: February 28, 2026

Cancellation Policy:

Until 2/28/2026: 100% refund

March 1 - March 31, 2026: 50% refund

April 1 – April 30, 2026: 25% refund.

After May 1, 2026: 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.

To contact Cheryl Steets, Senior Program Manager, Hoover History Lab, click here.