The American Enterprise Institute’s Summer Honors program is an intensive, fully funded educational and professional development opportunity in Washington, DC, for the best undergraduates. Program participants have the chance to connect with the ideas, research and network of AEI, one of America’s leading political think tanks.
The program brings together students from diverse ideological backgrounds for substantive dialogue and debate on the most pressing issues facing the country and the world. The main feature of the program is a series of discussion seminars which provide participants with forums to deepen the policy areas of their choice. Outside of seminars, students participate in policy briefings with distinguished guests, high-level networking opportunities and site visits to Washington.
The program aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of contemporary public policy challenges, a greater appreciation of substantive dialogue across ideological cleavages, and the knowledge and networks to pursue a future career in the political world.
What opportunities can I apply for?
Most of the students accepted for the summer specialization program will participate in an intensive week-long seminar , studying a particular area of public policy alongside an AEI fellow or a partner instructor. The topics, academics and available dates are described below. Students can apply for multiple courses and then rank their preferences, but will only be admitted for one. Admitted participants will receive an allowance of $ 250, as well as accommodation, most lunches and dinners during the week, and reimbursement of travel expenses.
Applicants may also choose to be considered for an opportunity prestigious five weeks , called the Summer Honors Academy . Through this program, ten students will be chosen to participate in five different courses from May 27 to June 26, 2020. As a cohort, they will take a basic course called ” The Great Debate: The Roots of the Right and the Left ” May 28. –29, then they will participate in the courses of their choice during each of the following four weeks. Participants in the Summer Honors Academy will receive an allowance of $ 1,250, as well as accommodation, most lunches and dinners during school days, and reimbursement of travel expenses.
What does a typical day look like?
How to apply?
Eligibility : undergraduate students and recent graduates (winter 2019 or later). International students can apply. Previous participants in the summer program are not eligible.
Location : Washington, DC
Duration : Most students will participate in a single week-long course in early summer 2020. A small group of students will participate in a five-week opportunity from May 27 to June 26, 2020.
Funding : This is a fully funded program. Participants will receive: reimbursement for the trip to Washington, accommodation, stipend and lunch and dinner on most school days.
Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications is February 24, 2020 . Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we strongly encourage students to apply early.
2020 summer program courses
Sixteen one-week courses are offered as part of the 2020 summer program. Six of these courses are offered through the AEI Initiative on Faith and Public Life and will address issues of economics, public policy and society from a perspective of Christian faith, theology and ethics. These courses are listed below.
June 1-5
The Constitution: original meanings and modern times
with John YooUnderstanding the challenge of the Middle East
with Michael RubinChristianity, National Identity and America’s Role in the World: Competing Interpretations
with Paul Miller | Faith and Public Life InitiativeRenewing the American social fabric: faith, community and public policy
with Ryan Streeter | Faith and Public Life InitiativeJune 8-12
War and decision making
with Frederick KaganThe building blocks of human development
with Charles MurrayLiberal Education in the Age of Distraction with Elizabeth Corey and David Corey | Faith and Public Life Initiative
International Economic Development: Why Institutions Count With Stephen Smith | Faith and Public Life Initiative
June 15-19
The Chinese army and the balance of power in Asia
with Oriana Skylar MastroKindergarten to Grade 12 Education: The Foundations of American Society, Economy and Democracy
with Michael McShaneHealth Care in America: Balancing Coverage, Quality and Affordability
with James CaprettaFreedom, progress and tradition
with Yuval Levin
June 22-26
Democratic capitalism: principles and practices
with Michael StrainA political agenda for poverty and well-being for the 21st century
with Brent OrrellAre the markets moral? In Search of a Human Economy with Mary Hirschfeld | Faith and Public Life Initiative
Visions of Christianity in Public Life: Retirement, Assimilation or Transformation?
with Kevin den Dulk | Faith and Public Life Initiative