Program Description

The George Washington University Summer Scholars Program

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Washington, D.C.


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For More Information, Contact
GW Summer Scholars Program
The George Washington University
2100 Foxhall Road, NW
Washington, D.C. 20007
202-242-6802
http://www.summerscholars.gwu.edu
E-mail: scholars@gwu.edu

Type of Program: Precollege program for grade 11; minicourses for grades 9–11
Participants: Coeducational, grades 9–11
Enrollment: 120 students
Program Dates: Mid-June through mid-August
Head of Program: Barbara Frank, Director

Location

The George Washington University (GW) is the largest private university located in Washington, D.C. Situated in the heart of the city, GW offers an academic community that is uniquely enriched by its seamless coexistence with the rich variety of historic, cultural, and educational resources in the nation’s capital. Summer Scholars experience two distinctly different campus environments. Students take classes at the downtown Foggy Bottom campus, which is located just blocks from the White House and within easy walking distance of historic Georgetown, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Department of State, and many other government and cultural institutions. The Metro-accessible campus is an ideal place to study while exploring the nation’s history, international communities, and the inner workings of organizations that shape national and international policy.
Summer Scholars reside 3 miles from the Foggy Bottom campus at the more intimate Mount Vernon campus in northwest Washington, D.C., located in a peaceful, wooded residential neighborhood and in proximity to parks and biking and hiking trails. A 15-minute shuttle ride links the two campuses and offers a view of the Potomac waterfront and the historic Watergate Hotel.

Background and Philosophy

The GW Summer Scholars Program has two residential programs for high school students: the 6-Week Pre-College Program for students in grade 11 and the noncredit 10-Day Mini-Courses Program for students in grades 9–11.
    The 6-Week Pre-College Program offers a unique opportunity for high school juniors to accelerate their college career and earn credit in a college-level course at a top-ranked university. In addition to complete integration in an intensive course with undergraduate students, Summer Scholars enroll in a required academic writing seminar and participate in academic exploration seminars. Students in the 6-Week Pre-College Program are eligible for all services provided by the GW Disabilities Support Services Office.
    The noncredit 10-Day Mini-Courses Program consists of intensive and highly interactive seminars that introduce students to possible fields of academic interest. Current minicourses in biomedical engineering, law and evidence, election politics, and photojournalism are being expanded to topics such as museum studies, diplomacy, environmental studies, and women’s leadership.
    The GW Summer Scholars Program draws on the wealth of cultural and educational opportunities unique to Washington, D.C., and the greater metropolitan area to expand on the range of enrichment and recreational activities available to participants. The program introduces students to the experience of independent living, while offering important educational resources and programs that enhance their understanding of college life.
    In addition to academics, evening and weekend programming provide varied activities for students. They meet with GW advisers, admissions officers, and deans. Campus tours of other Washington-area colleges and universities are organized according to student interest. Evening programs introduce students to necessary college-life skills, including microwave cooking and effective time management.

Program Offerings

The GW Summer Scholars 6-Week Pre-College Program for juniors offers academic exploration and personal enrichment. Students enroll in credit-bearing courses. Course offerings represent a variety of academic disciplines and are taught by University faculty members.
    The theme-based writing seminar integrates cultural exploration with the process of writing a college-level paper and developing critical writing and research skills that are applicable to any area of study. Academic Exploration seminars encourage students to explore the range of their academic interests and the variety of specialized learning communities within the university setting.
    A practical focus on college readiness is addressed through weekly seminars that range from the college admissions process to career paths, study skills, and research strategies, promoting confidence and self-sufficiency in balancing the academic and social demands of college life. Enrichment opportunities extend beyond the classroom to include the cultural and educational resources of the Washington, D.C., area.
    The noncredit 10-Day Mini-Courses Program is available to students in grades 9–11. These faculty-taught intensive seminars and workshops allow students to explore complex issues in potential fields of interest. The courses are highly interactive, engaging students in applied learning through in-class activities and field trips to relevant sites around Washington, D.C.

Enrollment

The Summer Scholars Program is a coeducational program that draws on a diverse group of students from across the nation and around the world. Admission to the 6-Week Pre-College Program is open to high school juniors with a B average or better. The 10-Day Mini-Courses Program is open to students in grades 9–11. Enrollment is limited.

Daily Schedule

A typical weekday in the Summer Scholars 6-Week Pre-College Program begins with breakfast in Ames Dining Hall. Students spend the day taking classes, studying, or attending a special program or seminar. On Friday mornings, students attend a required laboratory that is part of the Summer Scholars Writing Seminar. In the afternoon, students have the option of visiting an area college or exploring the sights. Saturdays include recreational activities, such as paddling the Potomac, exploring the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, or visiting the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts. On Sundays, students are free to relax, socialize, and study. The schedule is flexibly structured so that students have sufficient time for study and recreation.
The noncredit 10-Day Mini-Courses Program consists of highly structured programs. Following breakfast, students are in classes from 9 to 4. Lunch breaks and short breaks are included. Students regularly accompany the course instructor on course-related field trips around the city. In the evenings, students enjoy a variety of organized recreational activities and special programs.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

The program’s location in Washington, D.C., provides students with a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant international and multicultural community of the nation’s capital. Students take campus tours of other Washington-area colleges and universities. They discover that life in Washington, D.C., appeals to every possible interest, such as history, government, the arts, and entertainment. Summer Scholars have the opportunity to go shopping in Georgetown or to enjoy ethnic cuisine in Adams Morgan. Summer Scholars also participate in organized outings to a variety of destinations, such as national and historic sites, the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Capitol, area universities, and recreational parks.

Facilities

Summer Scholars reside on the beautiful grounds of the Mount Vernon campus. Students have access to the campus facilities, including the library, computer labs, swimming pool, tennis courts, and top-notch recreational facilities. Students share double rooms on floors that are staffed by a Resident Advisor. Each room is furnished with beds, dressers, desks, a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave. Rooms are cable ready and come equipped with phone jacks. The campus features wireless Internet access. Vending machines, a TV, and a community lounge complete with a kitchen are available in the residence hall. Laundry facilities are also located inside the building. Entrance to the residence hall is secure, and the Mount Vernon campus is gated and staffed with on-site security 24 hours a day.

Staff

A dedicated, on-site team coordinates the Summer Scholars Program, emphasizing a high degree of individual attention for every student. The Summer Scholars office is located less than a block from the residence halls. A full-time director manages the day-to-day activities. Highly trained, live-in Resident Advisors staff the residence halls and provide guidance and support 24 hours a day. Staff members accompany all planned group activities. The courses are taught by GW faculty members with years of experience teaching students at all levels of learning.

Medical Care

Although a very safe and healthy summer is anticipated, the GW Summer Scholars staff is prepared to handle emergencies. In the event of an illness or a medical emergency, Student Health Services is staffed and equipped to deal with most routine situations that require medical attention. If a situation requires hospital treatment, program staff members accompany the student to the nearest hospital and parents are immediately contacted.

Costs

In 2008, the 6-Week Pre-College Program costs were $6100 for residential students. This included tuition for credit-bearing courses, a writing course, room, and partial board. Costs for students who commuted were approximately $4300. The 10-Day Mini-Courses Program cost approximately $2400 per course and included tuition, room, and board; the commuter option cost approximately $1900. Textbooks, notebooks, and supplies are additional. Participants should plan to bring spending money for laundry, recreation, and incidental expenses. Tuition and fees are available at http://www.summerscholars.gwu.edu.

Financial Aid

Limited need-based scholarship assistance is available for qualified applicants for the 6-Week Pre-College Program only. Applicants for need-based scholarship assistance are required to fill out the Summer Scholars financial aid form and provide supporting documents.

Transportation

Leaving on the half hour and operating until 7 p.m., the GW shuttle links the two campuses with a scenic 15-minute ride down the hill to Foggy Bottom. The Foggy Bottom campus also has its own stop on the D.C. Metro, and both campuses are on Metro bus lines. The Mount Vernon campus is conveniently located near Washington-Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Union Station. The Summer Scholars program is able to provide detailed information about transportation to and from these locations.

Application Timetable

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up until late May. Priority consideration is given to early applicants. Space is limited, and late applications are accepted pending space availability.