Summer Academy: Ignite
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How selective is the Summer Academy – Ignite program?
The Summer Academy – Ignite program is a selective opportunity. Each year, the Student Success team receives more interest and applications than there is available space. As a result, not all students who express interest will be invited to participate.
- Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of being selected?
There are no specific actions students can take in advance to increase their chances of selection. The process is designed to ensure fairness and consistency for all students.
- How are students selected?
The Student Success team uses a holistic review process, considering a variety of factors when selecting participants. This approach allows us to build a well-rounded and geographically diverse cohort of students who will both benefit from and contribute to the program.
- What should I do if I’m interested in the program?
Students selected to move forward will receive a survey invitation beginning May 4. If you receive this invitation, we strongly encourage you to:
- Complete the survey in full
- Provide thoughtful responses to all essay questions
This is your best opportunity to share your interests and how the program aligns with your goals.
- Will every application be reviewed?
Yes, every completed submission receives full and careful consideration as part of the program review process.
- How many students participate in the program?
The cohort is intentionally limited to approximately 25–30 students to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience. This allows for meaningful engagement, strong cohort-building, and individualized support.