Frequently Asked Questions

The WW HistoryQuest application deadline is February 19, 2020.

Is there a schedule for the week? What does a typical day at HistoryQuest look like?
Here’s a rough idea of what Fellows can expect (subject to change):

Day One: Welcome and Play!

• 1:00-2:30 Arrival and Check-In
• 2:30-5:45 Program
• 5:45-6:45 Dinner
• 6:45-8:45 Community Building Experience

Day Two: Play, Mod, Design

Day Three: Learning Goals and Core Mechanics

Day Four: Game Rollout and Playtesting

Day Five: Design Challenge and Learning Goals

(The weekday programs from Monday through Thursday will begin at 9:00am (for those staying at the Chauncey, breakfast will be served before the program, and continuous snacks and beverages will be provided throughout the day for everyone) and run through 6:00pm with breaks for lunch. Dinner will be from 6:00-7:00 followed by a two-hour activity each evening.) 

Day Six: Prototype and Exemplars

 (The program will conclude after a 12:30 Lunch)

Can I come to some but not all of the Summer WW HistoryQuest Workshop?
No—sorry. The work done during the Workshop is iterative and lays the groundwork for the full year’s activities, so it is important that Fellows participate fully, from beginning to end. Last year some Fellows who lived within easy driving distance chose to come and go each day; while lodging is available for everyone, commuter requests can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but Fellows who commute should plan to arrive no later than 9:00 am each day and be in attendance for the evening activity.

What is the dress code? Are there occasions that require more formal attire?
Fellows should feel free to dress comfortably; the Workshop will primarily take place in an air-conditioned conference center, with one day of travel to a local school for “playtesting” of games with summer camp kids. The Chauncey Center has a swimming pool, a fitness center, loaner bikes, and extensive walking trails, so it is appropriate to bring workout and swim gear.

Shall I bring a laptop?
Yes! Please bring a laptop or tablet with word processing software. WiFi is free throughout the center.

How are expenses paid?
Two grants from the Hearst Foundation and a Woodrow Wilson Foundation Trustee—both deeply committed to the teaching of U.S. history—have made it possible for us to offer the WW HistoryQuest program on a basis that covers nearly all expenses. Lodging and meals are all a part of the package, and there is compensation for many Fellows’ travel (see below).

Will I be reimbursed for travel?
The Woodrow Wilson Foundation will reimburse Fellows at the IRS rate of 58 cents per mile for miles traveled beyond a 50-mile round trip, but the mileage of a normal daily commute to the school where you work must be deducted, per IRS regulations. To arrive at this figure, please calculate round-trip mileage from your home to the Chauncey Conference Center using Google or a similar search engine, deduct your normal round trip from home to your school, and then subtract 50 miles from this number to arrive at the reimbursable mileage figure. Please also include a list of tolls, along with receipts or printouts from EZ Pass accounts.

Here is an example: You determine, via Google, that it is a 170-mile round trip from your home to Chauncey Conference Center. Normally your drive to school for work each day is a 12-mile round trip. You subtract 12 miles from 170, leaving 158 miles, and then you deduct another 50 miles. Your reimbursable mileage is 108 miles at 58 cents per mile, so your total reimbursement (before tolls) is $62.64. A spreadsheet will be provided after the Summer Workshop to help you calculate.

How do I obtain professional development credit?
At the end of the Summer Workshop, WW will provide all Fellows with a certificate for 40 hours of PD credit. Similar certificates will be available for an appropriate number of hours upon completion of the follow-up events.

What are the follow-up events after the Summer Workshop?
The WW HistoryQuest Fellowship is a yearlong program. After the intensive Summer Workshop, Fellows will all participate in one follow-up workshop which may be either in-person (regional) or virtual, as well as one class visit. If a Fellow’s school is remote from those of others in the program, the Fellow may be asked to submit a video of her/his classroom utilizing the HistoryQuest principles, then engage in a video conference about your instruction. To the extent that these follow-up events involve travel, reimbursement will be available on the basis described above, and certificates of professional development hours will also be provided.