Where and when is the program?
The BIMA program will take place at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, 9 miles from Boston, from Monday June 30th – Monday July 28th, 2008.

Who attends BIMA?
Teenagers with a serious interest and experience in the arts who are currently in grades 9-11 are eligible to participate. Participants will be selected based on their previous commitment to the arts, as well as their interest in participating in a pluralistic Jewish community.

How do you apply?
The full application packet requires an arts sample, applicant essays, two letters of recommendation, parent letter and $40 application fee. Admission to BIMA is on a rolling basis.

Is it difficult to get accepted to BIMA?
Admission to BIMA is selective based on a full review of all of the application materials.  Participants are high school students who have shown significant investment as well as talent in their chosen arts discipline, who exhibit a high level of maturity, and who are excited about living in and contributing to a diverse, creative, Jewish community.  Attention is given to the skill level in each of the majors in order to ensure that the participants in each arts major can work together at the highest possible level.

What is the tuition and what does it include?
The tuition is $4,400. This includes all program related expenses. The tuition does not include costs of laundry (machines are located in the dormitories), transportation to and from campus, or spending money.

Does BIMA offer financial aid?
BIMA works closely with families to make the program financially feasible. This includes limited BIMA financial aid as well as assistance in securing other potential sources of funding. Families interested in financial aid need to complete the BIMA Financial Aid form.

What are the living and eating accommodations like?
Participants live in double occupancy rooms in two single-sex dormitories and eat in the dining hall on campus.  Kosher dining (under Orthodox supervision) is available at all meals.

Who are the arts instructors?
The arts instructors are accomplished professional musicians, artists, writers, actors, rabbis, and Jewish educators.

What if I am not ready to apply to BIMA for this summer?
Come for a weekend to experience a "Taste of BIMA" and decide if you want to apply for next summer. The dates of this year's "Taste of BIMA" weekend are Thursday July 31st - Sunday Sunday August 3rd. Click here for more information about this exciting program.


Download the 2008 BIMA participant handbook