Photos and quotes from BIMA participants.

Frequently Asked Questions


When is BIMA?
BIMA takes place from Tuesday, July 2 to Monday, July 29, 2013. 

Who can attend BIMA?
You are eligible to apply to BIMA if you are entering 10th-12th grade in fall 2013 and if you have a serious interest and experience in the arts.  Participants will be selected based on their previous experience with and commitment to the arts, as well as their interest in participating in a pluralistic Jewish community.

How do I apply?
The full application packet requires on-line forms, an arts sample, applicant essays, two letters of recommendation, parent letter and $40 application fee.

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 also 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.

Who are the other participants in the program?
BIMA is a coeducational program that seeks to bring together high school artists from different backgrounds and experiences. Participants come from all over the United States, Canada, Israel, Russia, and other countries, with diverse artistic and educational experiences, family backgrounds, and previous experience with Judaism.

Who are the faculty and staff?
The BIMA arts faculty are accomplished professional musicians, artists, writers, actors, and dancers. The residential staff of community educators and interns includes graduate students, rabbinical students, arts educators and Jewish educators.

What is the tuition and what does it include?
Summer 2013 tuition is $6,000. Tuition for every participant is significantly subsidized by generous donors; the full cost per participant is $6,600; we hope that families who are able to pay the full cost will elect to contribute the additional $600. The tuition covers all costs during the program including instruction, food, housing, field trips, and recreational activities. The tuition does not include costs of transportation to and from Boston, international student visa costs (about $250), laundry (machines are located in the dormitories), or spending money.

Does BIMA offer scholarships?
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 need-based financial aid need to complete the BIMA Financial Aid form.  The form is available once you start applying in your online account.

We have merit scholarships available for applicants who speak Russian - click here for more details.

If you have never before attended a Jewish summer overnight camp, you may qualify for a $1000 Campership incentive - click here for more details.

Are there other high school students on campus during BIMA?
 Genesis runs parallel to BIMA with points of interaction between the two programs. BIMA and Genesis participants live in the same residence halls (one male, one female) on separate floors. Additionally, the BIMA and Genesis communities have the opportunity to interact around the residential experience and the planning and celebration of Shabbat. The result is an increasingly diverse, creative, and active Jewish community.

 Encounters at Brandeis also runs other programs during the summer that have less contact with BIMA and Genesis.  Impact Boston overlaps with some of BIMA, and there are a few shorter programs that may also be on campus.

How do I contact BIMA?
Phone:    (781) 736-8416
Fax:        (815) 301-2874
Email:     highschool@brandeis.edu

BIMA at Brandeis University
415 South Street, MS 065
Waltham, MA 02454-9110

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