Frequently Asked Questions

Chautauqua is a small lakeshore village in rural western New York state. For over 150 years, it has been a summer destination for those who value education, the arts, faith, and recreation. Chautauqua Institution, a non-profit organization, coordinates nine weeks of programming which includes lectures, services, and all kinds of arts offerings (i.e.,music, dance, theater, & visual art). The summer season features well known speakers, authors, and performers.

Community Compact pays for every Scholar’s travel, housing, food, and gate pass (to access events at Chautauqua). We ask that each Summer Scholar get their own ride to and from their own local airport.

We help Scholars increase their social capital literacy through four interactive, virtual pre-orientation sessions (and some homework in between sessions). During these sessions, Scholars receive training in interpersonal and communication skills which, in turn, enables them to easily and effectively initiate and strengthen one-on-one connections. Meeting many new people in Chautauqua gives Scholars the opportunity to practice these new skills and build their self-confidence.

You can learn more about a typical day on our Summer Scholars page.

Summer Scholars share a large house in Chautauqua with a large front porch. Most students share a room with another Scholar and share a bathroom on each hallway. The kitchen is thoughtfully stocked with foods preferred by the students. A houseparent, an adult with years of experience working with and advocating for college students, resides in the house with the Scholars. Other staff and volunteers visit the house to support in a variety of ways.

The best answers come from our most recent (2025) Summer Scholar alumni. 

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We accept twenty-four students. These students are divided into two cohorts of twelve, and each cohort comes on a different week depending on their availability.