Summer Academy: Ignite
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What is the Ignite Program?
Today’s college students are heterogeneous in many dimensions, including ethnicity, academic interest, precollege achievements, religious backgrounds, and more. A GW's Summer Academy Ignite Program is designed to provide a comprehensive orientation and transition experience for any admitted student.
Summer Academy Ignite Program 2026
The George Washington University Summer Academy Ignite program is a seven-week, campus immersion program for incoming first-year students (who have been accepted to GW and paid their enrollment deposit) designed to support a successful transition to college. This year's program will run from June 21st to August 8th, with a welcome session hosted for all participants on June 21st. Commuter students are welcome to apply, and all selected students are strongly encouraged to participate in the New Student Orientation sessions on June 22nd and 23rd, since class starts on June 29th.
Ignite participants may remain on campus after the program ends on August 8th until the fall semester begins at no additional room charge, and GW staff will assist all Ignite students transition into their fall housing assignments. However, please note that students will be responsible for their meals between August 8th and August 21st.
Ignite participants may remain on campus after the program ends on August 8th until the fall semester begins at no additional room charge, and GW staff will assist all Ignite students transition into their fall housing assignments. However, please note that students will be responsible for their meals between August 8th and August 21st.
Participating students will:
- Take one college-level course – UW 1020
- All entering first-year and transfer undergraduate students are required to take UW 1020, which is a four-credit course.
- Neither AP, IB, nor any other test will exempt a student from UW 1020.
- UW 1020 is designated as a pre-disciplinary course: the goal is to enable students to write effectively in various contexts, within the university and beyond.
- Participate in a math immersion experience designed to prepare students for their math placement exam
- Gain a jump start to life at GW before the fall semester
- Receive small group and individual instructive academic advising
- Career development: An opportunity to participate in a half-day job shadow program with DC-area alumni professionals. In addition, receive an individual career coaching appointment to review resume and discuss plans for internships, full-time job search, and longer-term career goals; optional workshop on networking and informational interviewing.
- Attend engagement programming such as Alumni Networking, meet the faculty, etc.
- Participate in a closing ceremony
Cost covered by GW
GW Housing at
Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon
Two Meals Per Day
One Course
How to Apply
The application will be emailed to students in May 2026.