Applications are now open for the 2026 Academy for Civic Education & Democracy (ACED) Summer Program in Washington, DC (scholarships available)
Closing Date: 1 November 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Academy for Civic Education & Democracy (ACED) Summer Program in Washington, DC (scholarships available)
Applications are now open for the Academy for Civic Education & Democracy (ACED)! This 8-week summer program in Washington, DC combines accredited coursework through The George Washington University, weekly conversations with national leaders, visits to historic presidential landmarks, and internships across various industries that strengthen the civic health of our nation.
Overview
The ACED program is designed to foster the next generation of civic leaders. During the Summer, undergraduate students immerse themselves in Washington, DC for a profound and experiential learning opportunity. Students participate in an accredited course that provides them with the chance to explore history both within and beyond the classroom.
Program Overview
The Academy for Civic Education and Democracy (ACED) convenes a new cohort in June 2026. ACED is RRI’s in-person 8-week summer program in Washington, DC. Classes take place at the Ronald Reagan Institute building and are accredited by George Washington University. Every week, they interact with influential figures from diverse sectors and put their skills, knowledge, and network into practice through internships. This unique opportunity in Washington, DC empowers students to begin their own leadership journey with confidence and tangible experiences.
Tentative Summer 2026 dates:
June 7-July 31
Application Deadlines:
- November 1 – Early
- December 1 – Priority
- January 15 – Final
Cost & Scholarship
$8,450 includes the 3 credit core course accredited by GWU, housing for the entire program, internship placement, various programmatic costs.
All students are eligible and encouraged to apply for scholarship as RRI provides an average scholarship of $3,500 to offset the cost of the program. Students apply for the scholarship during the ACED admission process.
What ACED is Looking For In A Candidate
The ACED admissions team is looking for students who are engaged on campus, interested in learning to work across differences, and have a desire to hone their leadership skills and expand their potential.
Minimum student qualifications include:
Sample Weekly Schedule
- Monday
- Internship: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Tuesday
- Breakfast Speaker: 8:00am – 9:30am
- Internships: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Elective Option 1
- Wednesday
- Internships: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Core Course: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
- Elective Option 1
- Thursday
- Internships: 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Core Course: 4:30pm – 7:00pm
- Elective Option 1
- Friday
- Core Course + Experiential Site Visits: 9:00am -12:00pmProfessional Development: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
- Saturday
- Free Day (Most Weeks)
Click Here To Apply
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