The English Department is proud to offer Wilson English Scholarships to rising 10th–12th graders who want to expand their writing talents through summer workshops.

These fully funded grants support students in programs that explore poetry, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, screenwriting, playwriting, and more. The goal is to help students strengthen their love of writing, live and learn in creative communities, and return to MBA ready to enrich the school’s literary life. Students may apply to one of the pre-approved programs below or propose their own, subject to departmental approval.

Recipients are selected from current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders who demonstrate a passion for writing and literature, curiosity about writing-related fields, and a willingness to share their skills through MBA’s publications and writing community. Awardees are expected to complete all program requirements, submit a portfolio of work, and share their experience with peers by joining student publications, entering contests, or participating in the Red Poets Society. The scholarship typically covers tuition (full or partial), with additional support considered for room, board, or travel. Families should note that some programs may include extra costs beyond those covered by the grant.

Pre-Approved Programs: (Students may apply to one of the following or propose another program for approval)

• Cornell University Summer College – Take college-credit courses with Cornell faculty while exploring college and career options.
• Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop – Explore new directions in writing in a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Emerging Writers Institute (UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, Brown, Yale) – Two-week creative writing program for grades 10–12 across multiple genres.
• George Washington University Pre-College Program – Six-week for-credit courses or shorter 10-day programs in DC.
• Harvard Summer School – Earn credit while studying in a challenging Ivy League environment.
• Emerson College Summer Programs – Options in writing, journalism, theatre, film, and communication.
• Exploration Summer Program (Yale, Wellesley, St. Mark’s) – A broad academic and creative camp experience.
• Stanford Summer College – Enroll in undergraduate courses, earn credit, and live in residence halls.
• Syracuse Summer College – Six-week academic program with college-level coursework.
• The Juniper Institute for Young Writers (UMass Amherst) – Intensive poetry and fiction workshops with published authors.
• Interlochen Center for the Arts – Creative writing, music, theatre, visual arts, and dance.
• Iowa Young Writers Studio – Two-week fiction and poetry program with intensive workshops.
• University of Virginia Young Writers Workshop – Work with published writers in a collegiate setting.
• University of Chicago Summer – Rigorous, college-preparatory programs across disciplines.
• Yale Summer – Academic and creative programs with a global student body.
• Yale Young Global Scholars – Academic and leadership program founded on liberal arts and diversity.
• Sewanee Young Writers – Two weeks of literary discussion and creation on the Sewanee campus.
• Fir Acres Workshop in Writing/Thinking (Lewis & Clark College) – Two-week residency focused on collaborative writing.
• Sarah Lawrence College – Creative writing summer programs for high school students.
• Columbia University – NYC-based summer programs for motivated high school students.
• Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop – Prestigious residential writing program at Kenyon College.
• Johns Hopkins – Summer creative writing programs for high school students.
• University of Texas (UT Austin) – Radio-Television-Film Summer Camps.
• University of Dallas – Shakespeare in Italy Program.
• The Reynolds Young Writers Workshop (Denison University) – Inspiring program for high school students passionate about writing.
• Hillsdale College Summer Literary Tour – “In Love and War: The Land and Literature of England,” exploring sites connected to English writers.

MBA offers Wilson History and Social Sciences Grants each summer to engaged students entering grades 10–12 who have demonstrated excellence in history courses and a strong interest in related fields such as political science, law, international relations, economics, archaeology, or anthropology. These grants reward academic achievement and curiosity while giving students the opportunity to pursue pre-approved summer programs or propose their own history-related research or study. Entrepreneurship and business programs are generally not eligible. Students wishing to propose their own program must seek approval from their history teacher and Mr. Dodson prior to submitting an application. 

Recipients are selected based on their intellectual curiosity, character, commitment to MBA’s history offerings, and their ability to connect a program to personal academic goals. While preference may be given to first-time applicants, past recipients remain eligible. Grants may cover all or part of tuition, room, and board, reimbursed to families by the school. Students are expected to keep a daily reflective journal, share their experiences with the MBA community, and serve as ambassadors for future grantees. Pre-approved programs include offerings at Georgetown University Academies, Northwestern University, William & Mary, the Rhodes Mock Trial Academy, and Nashville Sister Cities exchanges, though students may also propose other quality programs with prior departmental approval.

In June, MBA faculty will lead a study tour of major historical sites in Europe with a focus on the Allied experience in World War I and World War II.

This immersive travel opportunity allows students to deepen their understanding of global history by exploring battlefields, memorials, and museums firsthand. The grant is highly competitive and is open exclusively to rising seniors. Interested students should review the application form carefully and submit it to Mr. Paolicchi. 

In July, MBA faculty will lead the Treasures of Britain Trip, a Wilson Grant program designed exclusively for rising juniors.
From London’s modern skyline to the ancient stones of Stonehenge, students will explore the full sweep of British history while visiting sites such as Canterbury, Windsor, Salisbury, Bath, Edinburgh, and St. Andrews. Along the way, participants will study the cultural and architectural significance of royal palaces, castles, cathedrals, churches, and monuments—gaining firsthand insight into the landscape, history, and traditions of the British Isles.

This highly competitive grant is awarded to students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong academic standing, and exemplary character. Selected participants will be expected to complete assigned readings before departure, deliver a site presentation during the trip, and submit a brief reflection afterward. Applications, including recommendations from current English II and History teachers, must be submitted to Dr. Charles Sligh. Please note: all participants must be able to travel with the group during the scheduled dates. 

The Wilson Language Grants provide MBA students with immersive and transformative opportunities to deepen their study of world languages and cultures.

These fully funded, highly competitive grants are offered through the MBA Languages Department in two categories: Wilson Language Immersion Grants and Wilson Language Travel Grants. Students may receive up to one Immersion Grant and one Travel Grant per language studied.

Wilson Language Immersion Grants are available to students of French, German, or Spanish beginning in their first year of study, and to students of Chinese beginning in their second year.
These grants support participation in four-week programs at Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota, where students live in full immersion environments, commit to speaking only the target language, and experience the daily life, traditions, and culture of the country they are studying. Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellence in the classroom, curiosity about cultural learning, and a commitment to continue language study at MBA the following academic year.

Wilson Language Travel Grants allow students to apply their language skills abroad. These selective grants are open to sophomores and juniors in French, German, Spanish, and Chinese who have not previously participated in a travel program for the same language. Preference is given to students who have completed an immersion program at Concordia. Travel programs include exchanges in Bordeaux, Wiesbaden, and Colombia, as well as summer study in Salamanca, Taiwan, and other destinations. Latin students may also apply for a very limited number of grants to study in Italy through the Paideia Institute or Calder Classics. While the grant covers most major expenses, families should be aware that some programs may involve additional costs not included in the award.

Recipients are chosen not only for their classroom performance but also for their character and contributions to the MBA community. Students are expected to commit fully to the program, represent MBA with maturity and respect, and continue language study at the highest level offered upon return. These grants are among the most prestigious opportunities available at MBA, equipping students with language mastery and cultural insight while preparing them to thrive as global citizens.

The Wilson Mathematics Grants provide summer opportunities for rising 10th–12th grade students who excel in Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, or Statistics and who have a strong interest in pursuing mathematics in college. These competitive grants reward excellence in the classroom and give students the chance to deepen their mathematical knowledge through approved summer programs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate outstanding academic performance, a commitment to the study of mathematics, and exemplary character as representatives of MBA.

Grant recipients may apply to pre-approved programs or propose their own, subject to departmental approval. The Wilson Grant covers tuition (full or partial), with additional support considered for room, board, or travel expenses. Students are expected to prepare a formal report on their experience and serve as ambassadors for future applicants. Previously approved programs include offerings at Vanderbilt University’s Program for Talented Youth, Duke Pre-College, Belmont University, the Ross Mathematics Program, Hampshire College, Awesome Math, Johns Hopkins CTY, ID Tech, MathPath, and Columbia University’s Summer Immersion.

The Wilson Science and Engineering Grants provide summer opportunities for rising 10th–12th grade students who excel in IPS, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and who are eager to pursue studies in science, technology, or engineering at the college level.

These competitive awards recognize academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and exemplary character while giving students the chance to strengthen their expertise through approved summer programs. Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of achievement in science courses, a passion for STEM fields, and a commitment to representing MBA with distinction.

Grant recipients may apply to pre-approved programs or propose one of their own, subject to departmental approval. The Wilson Grant typically covers tuition (full or partial), with additional support considered for room, board, or travel. Students are expected to complete a written report of their experience in scientific format and serve as ambassadors for future grantees. Past awardees have attended programs such as the Georgetown Medical Institute, National Student Leadership Conference, NC State University Engineering Camps, Rose-Hulman Project SELECT, Vanderbilt Summer Academy, and Belmont University. Students are also encouraged to explore new opportunities with prior approval from the Science Department.

The Wilson Visual and Performing Arts Grants provide summer opportunities for rising 10th–12th grade students who excel in the visual arts, music (vocal, orchestral, and instrumental), theater performance and tech, or filmmaking.

These competitive awards recognize students who demonstrate talent, dedication, and a passion for pursuing the arts at MBA and beyond. The purpose of the program is to reward excellence while encouraging students to strengthen their skills, explore creative opportunities, and foster a lifelong commitment to the arts.

Recipients are selected from current 9th–11th graders who show a record of excellence in the arts, a commitment to advancing their craft, and exemplary character. Students may apply for an approved program or propose one of their choosing with departmental approval, followed by an interview with faculty. Grants may cover tuition in full or part, with additional consideration for room, board, and travel when funds are available. Awardees are expected to share their summer work with the MBA community—through performances, exhibitions, or reports—while serving as ambassadors for the arts at MBA. In total, the Visual and Performing Arts Department has $30,000 in funding to distribute across music, theater, and visual arts.

A select group of MBA rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors will join two faculty members on a study tour of three historic and culturally rich cities: Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.

Over the course of the trip, students will explore world-class museums, architectural landmarks, historical sites, theater, and music, gaining firsthand exposure to the ways art and culture intersect with American history. Highlights include guided museum tours, evening theatrical performances, architectural and historical excursions, and even the possibility of catching a baseball game. The itinerary is designed to be both educational and entertaining, offering students an unforgettable immersion into the arts and history of the Northeast. 

Eligible students must demonstrate strong academic performance, a genuine interest in the arts and history, and a willingness to participate actively in all aspects of the trip. Participants will be asked to research and present on a selected historical site or work of art, take notes during museum tours, and prepare a written reflection afterward for the Wilson Grant Exhibition in the fall. Students are also expected to remain actively involved in MBA’s Visual and Performing Arts offerings upon their return. Preference will be given to rising seniors and juniors.

The Wilson Junior School Grants provide rising 8th and 9th grade students with exciting opportunities to pursue academic and cultural enrichment during the summer.

These competitive awards are designed to reward excellence and encourage students to explore and strengthen personal interests across a variety of academic fields and the arts. Options include MBA Directed Trips led by faculty—such as MBA in Rome for rising 9th graders and the Landmarks of American History Trip for rising 8th graders—as well as Academic-Based Grants that support participation in pre-approved or student-proposed summer programs.

MBA Directed Trips cover all travel and program expenses, while Academic-Based Grants generally cover tuition (full or partial) with additional consideration for travel costs. Students applying for non-MBA sponsored programs must submit a proposed budget of expenses along with their application. Past pre-approved opportunities include iD Tech Camps at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Summer Academy, the National Flight Academy, and Duke Pre-College Programs, though students may propose other options with prior approval from the Director of Junior School. Recipients are expected to thoughtfully complete their applications, engage fully in the program experience, and return to MBA as ambassadors for the next group of grantees.

• MBA in Rome (for rising 9th graders)
  A nine-day tour of Rome and the Bay of Naples region, including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and Mt. Vesuvius.
• Landmarks of American History Trip (for rising 8th graders)
  A six-day exploration of U.S. history and culture with visits to Ft. McHenry, the U.S. Capitol, Mount Vernon, Smithsonian museums, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Philadelphia.

Students at MBA have access to a wide range of pre-approved summer and academic programs that support their interests in leadership, service, the arts, global learning, and more. You can explore the approved opportunities using the link below..

Pre-Approved Programs

• iD Tech Camps at Vanderbilt University
• Vanderbilt Summer Academy 
• National Flight Academy
• Duke Pre-College Programs