Classical Promise Grant
The Classical Promise Grant allows enterprising teachers and students to engineer programs using both the organizational and financial support of Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute.
About the Grant
These grants are available to individuals who wish to create or maintain a Latin/Classical Studies program or event geared toward elementary/middle-school-aged students.
Applicants may be:
high school students
college students
teachers
homeschool instructors
middle school students (if applying in conjunction with a sponsoring teacher/parent)
Please note that any individual may only receive one grant from Ascanius per academic year.
Grant Details
The exploratory program should:
be centered around fun and interactive lessons about the culture and language of the Roman world.
provide an opportunity for elementary/middle-school-aged school students to enjoy a taste of the Roman world.
Previous grants have funded programs such as:
plays based on Phaedrus' Fabulae,
after-school workshops introducing the basics of the Latin language and culture
summer programs focusing on Greco-Roman mythology and Classical history
Grant proposals can be used to help cover the costs of:
publicity
materials for props, sceneries, and costumes
food and drink for banquets
materials for art and culture lessons and more!
To help recipients plan and organize their programs, Ascanius will offer:
a one-time program consultation session
free access to the hundreds of lessons and activities developed by Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute. These include lessons on basic Latin topics (body parts, colors, numbers) as well as Roman cultural topics (art and architecture, theater, fashion, etc.).
At the conclusion of their program, recipients will be required to provide a written summary about their experience and submit a few photos for social media and publications.
Classical Promise Grants are available in two sizes, "parva" and "maxima."
"Parva" - an amount from $50 to $200, providing funds for a one-time event.
"Maxima" - amounts up to $500, supporting a longer, more in-depth program (week-long, summer, monthly, etc.)
Recipients of the Classical Promise Grant, whether "parva" or "maxima," are encouraged to apply again the following year in order to receive assistance with the program's sustainability. Documentation of the completed program's success will be required, along with detailed plans for continuation and improvement. Recipients of a "maxima" Classical Promise Grant who show documentation of success in the first year may request funds greater than $500, which may be granted by the committee.
Applications may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed by the committee twice annually. The deadlines for submission are October 30th and March 30th.
Fall Grant applications that are not awarded may be considered again in the spring. However, no retroactive grants will be considered for programs that have already occurred. For any questions, contact info@ascaniusyci.org.
Ready to apply?
Click below for the application
Recent Grant Highlights
Here are some recent highlights from the Classical Promise Grant
Nayan Patel
This grant supported a free public humanities program for elementary and middle school students at the Weston Public Library. Building on the success of a previous session on Hercules, the program explored how Greek mythology reflected the historical, cultural, and social realities of the ancient world. Through interactive presentations, discussion, and educational materials, students gained an accessible introduction to classical literature, history, and critical thinking. The project provided young learners with meaningful exposure to the humanities while fostering curiosity about the ancient world and its continuing influence today. Nayan Patel, a student at The Roxbury Latin School in Boston, shared his passion for Classics through community outreach and educational programming.