The Immigrant Experience in California
Through Literature and History

STIPEND

NEH Summer Scholars selected to the institute will receive a $2,200 stipend from the NEH disbursed in two checks: one at the beginning of their stay in San José and one towards the end of the two weeks. Please note: stipends are taxable.

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Summer Scholars are required to attend all meetings and to engage fully as professionals in the work of the project. During their tenure with the project, they may not undertake teaching assignments or any other professional activities unrelated to their participation in the project. Summer Scholars who, for any reason, do not complete the full tenure of the project must refund a pro-rata portion of the stipend.

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Summer Scholars are encouraged to fly into Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, conveniently located close to downtown San José. However, if cheaper flights are available for arrival in either Oakland or San Francisco, Scholars will need to provide their own transportation down to San José. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) can help with getting around the East Bay or San Francisco, but Caltrain or a rental car would be necessary for getting to San José from these other airports.

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Information about visiting San José

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HOUSING​

Housing for NEH Funded Summer Scholars has been secured in downtown San José at Spartan Village on the Paseo. The price is $80 per room per night for a single room with private bathroom. It is a 2.5 block walk to the San José State University campus where the majority of our meetings will take place.

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We will take a fieldtrip to San Francisco and will be staying in a hotel there for the nights of Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. The cost of lodging in San Francisco will be in addition to the cost of lodging in San José. Note that your stipend ($2200) is intended to cover much of the housing and airfare.

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Website for Spartan Village on the Paseo

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San José State University offers complimentary WIFI and laundry facilities are nearby. Summer Scholars will have a wonderful time walking through downtown San José, “the heart of Silicon Valley.” Whether you dine in San Pedro Square, take a peek at the Museum of Art, learn about the many technology marvels at the Tech Museum, San José offers a myriad of attractions.

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Please remember that NEH does not allow spouses or family members to attend institute events or courses.

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CALIFORNIA’S CLIMATE

California is the land of diversity, and that includes temperatures. San José is generally temperate in the summer – hovering between the 70s and 80s most days with mild nights. However, for field trips to other locations, such as San Francisco, Scholars should pack long pants, layers, and even a light jacket or fleece. As the old saying often (inaccurately) attributed to Mark Twain goes, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

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Gatherings for the institute will not require formal attire.

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COURSEWORK, PAPERS AND INTERNET SERVICE

Daily discussions and courses will take place at San José State University unless otherwise noted. Scholars will have free internet access and should consider bringing a laptop, tablet, and camera to help record their experiences in the Bay Area and to begin working on implementation plans.

 

Key texts and handouts will be provided in electronic or paper formats, as appropriate.​​​