51³Ô¹Ï

There is no application to the program; students are offered a place in the program with their admission to the university. We are looking for academically strong students who demonstrate the ability to participate in research early in their college career and who have a passion for social justice and community service.

If you would like to be considered for the DC Community Impact Scholars program at 51³Ô¹Ï, you can indicate your interest in a few ways. You can contact your admissions representative, email impactscholars@american.edu, or include it in the Common Application section specifically for 51³Ô¹Ï.

A living-learning community creates an environment in which you can more easily build relationships with other talented students, share academic interests and experiences, and adjust to college life in DC together. You will live together on the same floor as other Impact Scholars and students in the Honors program.

Students admitted to Impact Scholars receive merit-based or need-based aid as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. The terms of your financial aid are listed in your admission letter.

DC Community Impact Scholars is a two-year program, beginning in a student's first year at 51³Ô¹Ï and continuing through the end of the sophomore year. After their second year, students are strongly encouraged to complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Community-Based Research.

In addition, after the first year Impact Scholars have the option to be a peer mentor, serve on the student advisory board, apply to be a Program Associate (PA) or Teaching Assistant (TA).

For first-year students: in the fall semester, Impact Scholars take a special section of Complex Problems (an 51³Ô¹Ï Core requirement) and the first part of a yearlong lab. In the spring semester, students complete the second half of the lab. In addition, students spend 20 hours each semester working with a DC community partner agency.

For sophomore students: in the fall semester, Impact Scholars take the first part of the Community-Based Research course, which is then completed in the spring semester in the second half of the course. 

The Complex Problems course meets the 51³Ô¹Ï Core requirement. All other courses will also count towards the requirements for a Community-Based Research Certificate or as electives.

Incoming first-year students will live on the Scholars and Honors floor in Anderson Hall.

As sophomores, students have the option to continue living together on a designated floor in a sophomore building.

Impact Scholars may room with other Scholars and/or Honors students.

Impact Scholars will be expected to attend a fall orientation as well as a limited number of other required program events throughout the year.

All first-year Impact Scholars also engage in community-based learning (either as a volunteer or in a public service Federal Work-Study position) for 20 hours per semester at a local nonprofit organization.

Sophomores are expected to attend a retreat at the beginning of the fall semester.

Please contact impactscholars@american.edu with any questions regarding the program.