Effective leadership is essential in order to make a meaningful impact. GW has a long history of preparing leaders to influence change in nonprofit, government, local community, and corporate settings.
Our Pre-College courses help high school students learn the principles of effective leadership by leveraging the resources of Washington, D.C. and the expert faculty at GW. Students will have opportunities to see successful leadership exemplified firsthand, and will leave our program ready to make a difference in their own communities.
On-campus and online courses are available for credit, while our noncredit offerings focus on experiential learning environments, connecting students with relevant institutions and experts in their respective fields.
All course offerings are subject to cancellation.
Noncredit
One-week program
June 24—29, 2018
A healthy community and democracy requires visionary leaders who can help solve the issues that their community is facing. In this course, students will develop their leadership skills to engage key stakeholders, and create strategies that reflect social responsibility. Students will learn best practices in implementing positive change in their communities.
Noncredit
Two-week program
July 1—13, 2018
Washington, D.C. is the heart of the legislative processes and social movements that influence structural, cultural and ideological change. This course introduces students to questions, opportunities and roadblocks faced by civic and global leaders. It will expand their leadership capacity and teach them to translate their values and ideas into action to create the change they want to see in their communities.
Noncredit
Two-week program
July 15—27, 2018
This course introduces students to principles and theories of communication in organizational and professional environments. Students will learn communication strategies essential to thriving in today’s interconnected world, focusing on cross-cultural communication, leadership, diplomacy and public speaking skills.
Three credits
Three-week program
July 1—20, 2018
This is a full scholarship residential summer program that engages high-achieving juniors (rising seniors) from U.S. high schools in academic leadership development. Caminos al Futuro seeks to cultivate leadership potential and scholarship in students who desire to shape issues impacting Hispanic and Latino communities.
Three credits
Three-week program
July 1—20, 2018
The INSPIRE program is a full scholarship open to Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian rising junior and senior high school students who want to learn about intergovernmental relations between tribal governments and the federal government.
Three credits
Six-week program
July 1—August 10, 2018
Major thinkers and themes in the field of peace studies and conflict resolution. Focus on philosophical and religious foundations of peace and justice movements in the twentieth century. Examination of peace and conflict through an interdisciplinary lens and on personal, local and international levels.
Three credits
Six-week program
July 1—August 10, 2018
Online course: May 21—June 30, 2018
Fundamental principles underlying human behavior.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online Course: July 2—August 11, 2018
The increasing role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as providers of service and care for vulnerable individuals and communities in need, development of NGOs, the place they hold in international interventions and the types of services they provide.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online course
July 2—August 11, 2018
Examination of leading ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) and methodology in ethics. Engagement with contemporary problems.
Three credits
Six-week program
Online course
July 2—August 11, 2018
Philosophical theories about how economic, political, legal and cultural institutions should be arranged. Topics include the meaning and significance of liberty, the legitimate functions of government, the nature of rights, the moral significance of social inequality and the meaning of democracy.
