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Pre-College Programs for High School Students at AU
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer. Whether you’re a high school student starting to figure out your plans or a parent or guardian wondering how you can help your student prepare for college, consider American University’s (AU) pre-college summer programs to get to know what AU has to offer and discover your passion.
Launch Your Journey Into International Affairs: Community of Scholars
Designed for rising high school juniors and seniors, the Community of Scholars pre-college program helps students deepen their understanding of international affairs and world politics at AU’s top-ranked School of International Service. Students enroll in a three-credit course taught by distinguished AU faculty over three weeks, featuring two weeks of immersive on-campus experiential learning and one focused week of online, asynchronous study.
Beyond the classroom, students will explore Washington, DC's vibrant landscape, visiting government agencies and organizations to gain firsthand insights into the city's global ecosystem. This experiential component provides students with unique insights into how leaders tackle complex challenges while also helping students build a network of peers and professionals who share their passion for global change.
By the end of the program, participants earn an official AU transcript, a milestone marking their academic growth and expertise in international affairs. The credits may transfer to other universities, but AU would be thrilled to welcome students into its community in the future.
Fuel Your Curiosity: High School Summer Scholars
AU offers high school students the opportunity to deepen their interests by enrolling in an online, one-credit college course that covers a range of topics, from international diplomacy and law to psychology and neuroscience, to AI and sustainability.
By enrolling in an AU High School Summer Scholars course, students will experience stimulating, rigorous, and personalized college-level learning. Classes are accessible via AU's Canvas platform, providing flexibility for students to engage with coursework at times that suit their schedules. Over four weeks, students will have the chance to explore new fields of knowledge, guided by expert faculty and tailored to spark intellectual curiosity.
Take Your Leadership to the Next Level: National Student Leadership Conference
American University invites National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) students to take on an exciting challenge: enroll in a college course that complements your NSLC program. Through AU’s college credit option, you’ll experience a stimulating, innovative, and personalized college-level course tailored to your interests—all while boosting your resume and enhancing your college applications.
This unique partnership between AU and NSLC allows participants to earn one college credit hour by taking an asynchronous online course taught by AU faculty. Each course is specifically designed to build on the knowledge and skills gained through your NSLC program by offering a deeper exploration into your area of study. With flexible scheduling, you can complete assignments at your own pace, and no coursework is required while you’re on campus.
Discover the World of Communication
As you begin to consider your undergraduate path, AU's School of Communication encourages you to explore our dynamic bachelor’s degree programs and experiential opportunities in film and media arts, journalism, public relations and strategic communication, photography, and communication studies.
Discover the World of Communication students learn to build a digital portfolio, script, shoot and edit a film, write news stories, speak with confidence, persuade, inform, educate, and entertain. SOC's professional, hands-on workshops—open to students entering grades 9 through 12—are taught by AU SOC faculty and communication professionals.
Turn this summer into a launchpad for your journey to American University in Washington, DC. Experience college life, discover what you’re passionate about, and build the skills, confidence, and guidance you’ll need for success in college and beyond.