The Academy Fellowship

A six-week philosophy program for exceptional high school students. Fellows read the Great Books, meet weekly in extended seminar, and test their ideas through close dialogue with faculty and peers.

Apply for Summer 2026 Explore the Program
Fully FundedNo Tuition
6-Week IntensiveJul 13 – Aug 23
In PersonMidtown Manhattan
Apply By May 15Final Deadline
Pursuing Wisdom

What is virtue? What does a life well-lived actually require?

The Academy Fellowship is an intellectual community centered on the close study of the great wisdom traditions of the ancient world. Over six weeks, fellows examine enduring questions of virtue, truth, suffering, self-mastery, and the good life.

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About the Fellowship

Hosted by the New York Philosophical Society, the Academy Fellowship brings together a small cohort of students for six weeks of intensive study in Midtown Manhattan. Fellows meet in person one to two times per week for extended seminar and complete 10–15 hours of independent reading between sessions.

The program runs from July 13 through August 23, 2026. It is fully funded, and students with financial need also receive a stipend to help cover materials and transportation.


Vision & Mission

We believe education at its highest level should help answer not only how to succeed, but what one's life is for.

Our mission is to form students of outstanding character, moral courage, and a genuine love of wisdom. As Viktor Frankl wrote, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose."


Meet the Faculty

The scholars and mentors helping guide students through the Fellowship.

Harrison Orlando
Harrison Orlando
Admissions Director

Harrison studied Mathematics and Philosophy at the University of Chicago before beginning his career at Bridgewater Associates. Harrison leads the admissions and interview process for the Fellowship.

Cole Whetstone
Cole Whetstone
Academic Director

After studying Classics at Harvard University, Cole received a full scholarship to study Ancient Philosophy at the University of Oxford, where he taught Ancient Greek for two years after graduation. Cole is a founder of NYPS and speaks nine languages.


Contact

For questions about the Academy Fellowship, please reach out to us at fellowship@nyphilosophy.org.

The New York Philosophical Society is located in New York City. The Academy Fellowship holds seminars in Midtown Manhattan.

Now accepting applications for Summer 2026
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