MISSION STATEMENT
“To
bring together gifted young people and superior teachers
….in an
atmosphere of affection, knowledge, and trust.”
- Ralph
Dennis, 1931 founder of the Institute.
Established in 1931, the National High
School Institute (NHSI) is the nation's oldest and largest university-based
program for outstanding high school students. The program introduces students
to intensive college-level study in specialized areas of interest and participants
gain practical experience as they develop intellectually in their chosen
areas. NHSI students leave the Institute better able to make decisions
about their future, and many go on to study at the finest college and universities.
Our goals for all of our students are, to gain
practical college-level experience in their chosen field, to interact closely
with faculty, to experience new social and intellectual challenges, and to
experience campus life with other exceptional high school students.
Students in the Institute are affectionately called "Cherubs," a tradition
that began in the 1930s with the founder of the Institute, Ralph Dennis. Cherubs
come from every walk of life, from each of the 50 states, and from numerous international
countries. Dr. Dennis' mission "to bring together gifted young people and
superior teachers in an atmosphere of affection, knowledge and trust" is
still followed today. The “Cherub” experience is a life-altering event
for our students. It gives purpose and focus to teenagers who are at a pivotal
point in their lives. It creates a social and professional network that lasts
a lifetime. We can and do “change the world” for many of our students.
For about a month every summer, Northwestern University's Evanston campus serves
as a background for students to taste college life while receiving an intense
education. Classes, workshops, field trips, projects and lectures fill a rigorous
academic schedule while group outings and social events complete a memorable
summer. All programs are residential--students must live at Northwestern for
the entire time of the program--and are non-credit and designed for enrichment.
The NHSI faculty includes members of the Northwestern academic community, faculty
from other major teaching institutions and working professionals in each field.
Faculties interact closely with students individually and in group projects and
often live in the dormitories with the students to create a potential for 24/7
learning.
