The 2026 Newman Forum Summer Institute will be held Aug 5-9th, at Mundelein Seminary. 

In this 5-Day Summer Institute, high school students are introduced to college-level philosophy and theology by exploring together the rich theme of the journey in the Western and Catholic intellectual tradition. Our texts will be drawn from the Bible, Greek Mythology, and Christian literature, theology, and spirituality from the Medieval Era to the modern day. In our expedition together—alongside the likes of such adventurers as Odysseus, Augustine, Dante, Bonaventure, Teresa of Avila, and Don Quixote—we will consider what it means to set out as sojourners and pilgrims longing for a true homeland in which we’ve never lived, to act heroically in the face of a broken world, and finally to return home to God, accepting the call to be saints. 

Open to all high school students, including outgoing 8th graders and incoming college freshman.

Cost of attendance includes room, board, supplies, and excursion costs. Applications received prior to May 15 qualify for the Early Bird Attendance Fee: $250. Applications received after May 15 will qualify for the Regular Attendance Fee: $450. Scholarships are available. 

The Summer Institute is open to all rising high school students and college freshman. The Application Deadline is June 15, 2026. You can expect notification of your acceptance, or your placement on our waitlist, within two weeks of the submission deadline.