George Washington University

Location

George Washington University
2121 I Street, NW
Washington, DC, DC 20052
United States
See map: Google Maps

Why GW?

George Washington University is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, blending tradition and history with energy and excitement. The university is more than an academic hub. It’s an integral part of the cultural, political and social landscape of Washington, D.C., offering hands-on opportunities that encourage personal and intellectual growth.

With campuses in close proximity to political mainstays such as the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, GW is literally at the epicenter of U.S. law and government activity.

GW's designated airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. Students traveling to the program by plane may request Blueprint's Pick-Up/Drop-Off service during the online registration process for an additional fee.

Fast Facts

  • Reputation For Excellence
    U.S. News and World Report gives high marks to GW, with 2011 rankings including GW Law’s Intellectual Property program (#3), International Law (#6) and Public Affairs Graduate Studies program (#14).
  • Award Winning Faculty
    GW has 1500+ full-time faculty, with experts in dozens of research fields ranging from nanotechnology to medical research.
  • Outstanding Majors
    GW is recognized as a preeminent institution for the study of law, public policy and public administration. The university is known for academic excellence, offering 2000 undergraduate courses and 88 majors.

    • A sample of currently offered majors includes:
    American Studies, Anthropology, Biomedical Engineering, Classical Studies, Dance, Fine Arts and Art History, Geological Sciences, Interior Design, International Affairs, Physics, Political Science, Public Health, Statistics, Theatre, and Women’s Studies

  • GW AT A Glance
    Founded: 1821
    Enrollment: 25,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 130 countries
    Sports: NCAA Division I
    Mascot: The Colonials
    Student Organizations: 350+

Where You'll Live

Blueprint Summer Programs at George Washington University will give you a whole new perspective on life. You'll have the unique opportunity to observe the country's most influential decision-makers, while enjoying the historic campus and eclectic community. GW's central location allows you to easily explore some of D.C.'s top attractions on foot, or venture further with convenient access to campus and public transportation.

  • Where You'll Live | West Hall
    This brand new, mixed-use residence hall features dining, a fitness center, digital media center, 150-seat black box theatre and high-tech studio. West Hall also includes 50,000 square feet of student meeting and event space.
  • GW's Beautiful Campus
    With stately buildings, towering trees and manicured lawns, GW's 25-acre Mount Vernon campus provides a picturesque backdrop for college life. Students are drawn to the convenient computer labs and friendly staff at Eckles Library. Amenities such as tennis courts, a softball field, six-lane pool, a soccer/lacrosse field, gardening and beekeeping facilities provide year-round recreation. The Vern Express provides 24-hour transportation to and from GW's Foggy Bottom campus.
  • A Perfect Location | Washington, D.C.
    You'll never be bored here! The White House, Department of State, and Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are all just a walk or Metro ride away, along with an array of restaurants, museums, galleries, historic neighborhoods and much more.
  • Top-Notch Facilities
    In addition to the Mount Vernon campus, students have easy access to GW's nearby Foggy Bottom campus. A quick trip on the Vern Express allows students to enjoy the Health and Wellness Center, as well as dining options such as Ivory Tower and Potomac House. The 42-acre campus includes historic architecture, pocket parks and landmarks such as the F Street House, a residence built in 1849 that served as a club for high-profile government officials.

Staff

For each program, Blueprint hires a skilled crew of directors, teachers, resident advisers to work alongside college faculty and staff. Our directors oversee all aspects of program life and ensure that each student has the opportunity to become an active member of the community. Courses are taught by college faculty, gifted teachers and talented professionals. We recruit only the brightest and most passionate teachers to connect with our students. Our resident advisers act as big brothers and sisters to students while they're away from home. They help students acclimate to new settings and guide them through little challenges along the way.

Activities + Trips

Some of the most important college experiences happen outside the classroom. Recreational activities from concerts to canoeing help students meet new people, strengthen relationships and broaden their horizons. And the great memories will last a lifetime.

  • Road Trip Week 1 | Six Flags America
    Thrill seekers are about to meet their match. At Six Flags America, students can experience stomach-dropping, scream-worthy fun on Roar, a totally twisted wooden roller coaster, or the speed-tastic excitement of Superman: Ride of Steel. Then prepare to get soaked at Hurricane Harbor, the in-park waterpark featuring a giant wave pool and wild, multi-passenger slides.
  • Road Trip Week 2 | Baltimore, Maryland
    During our second week, we'll hit the road and head to Baltimore to check out some of the area's most memorable destinations. Students can take a trip to the past with Historic Ships including the USS Constellation. We'll also visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore, along with the Top of the World Observation Level and Museum. Signature Blueprint Summer Program Activities at GW
  • Sports and Gaming
    Frisbee Golf, Basketball, Soccer, Yoga, Cross Country, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Ultimate Frisbee, Kickball, Nintendo Wii, PS3, Ping Pong and much more
  • Signature GW Events
    Blueprint Curling, Gov-to-Go Geocaching, So You Think You Can't Dance, Open Mic Night, Blueprint Amazing Race, Iron Chef: Dorm Edition, Blueprint Survivor, Ramen Noodle Relay
  • Explore Washington D.C.
    The Museum of Natural History, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National Mall, Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art

    Courses

    Blueprint Summer Programs at George Washington University offers courses that are both fun and rewarding. Students have Seven outstanding majors to choose from, and then a wide variety of different minors to explore each week.

    • Our class sizes are carefully monitored, and small student-teacher ratios ensure that each student receives plenty of individual attention.
    • Our instructors are of the highest caliber. From GW faculty to award-winning teachers from across the country, instructors are handpicked for each program.
    • We don't test and there's no homework. Students reconnect with the fun of learning through top-notch instruction in a stress-free setting.

    2012 Blueprint Summer Programs Courses at GW

    • Journalism and Investigative Reporting
      In today's plugged-in world of 24/7 communication, journalists need to convey information in a clear, concise and compelling way. This course lays a foundation of writing structure and style, and then examines traditional, new and emerging media channels. Students will also learn how advanced technology and social media are influencing journalism as an industry. Finally, we'll look at communications law and discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of journalism ethics.
    • Creative Writing
      Discovering your literary voice is an irrefutably rewarding experience. Students will spend their summer dissecting poetry, prose, essays, and short works by some of the great writers of our time, while diving headfirst into some substantial works of their own. The syllabus will focus on structure, narrative, theme, and character development, as well as brainstorming and peer workshops. It is our hope that the students in this course will truly embrace their love of writing and become part of that proud tradition.
    • Spies: International Espionage and Criminology
      While 007 remains an international man of mystery, the real-world work of national security, intelligence and crime can be just as intriguing. Students will examine a brief history of international espionage, discussing the risks and rewards of secret intelligence. We'll also take an in-depth look at the evolution of criminology, how it has impacted the criminal justice system as a whole, and what part those advancements have played in recent high-profile cases.
    • Politics in Action
      With great power comes great responsibility. In this course, we will examine the foundation and structure of the U.S. government, and take a closer look at the defining moments that changed the course of our history. We'll also identify the components of the major political parties, discuss current events, compare the challenges and opportunities associated with a career in politics, and examine the specific responsibilities and activities involved with key positions in state and national politics.
    • Capital College Prep and Tours
      College represents the gateway to the future – independence, adventure and success. This course is designed to help students make that transition with confidence. Participants will work through the application process, developing an admissions profile and learning strategies for improving SAT/PSAT scores. This course also provides a well-supervised introduction to college life, with visits to area colleges, faculty Q&A sessions and practical advice on everything from roommate challenges to time management. 
    • Psychology
      Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. By examining rich texts, as well as famous experiments (such as The Stanford Prison Experiment) students will learn the imperative elements of behavioral theory and scientific ethics. Students will design and execute their own experiments and learn how to research and write about the results. This course will open your mind not only to the world we live in, but the different ways we live in it.
    • Fashion Design
      The influence of fashion is felt far beyond the runway. From trends that define a generation to styles that defy time, textile professionals and designers can help reflect and shape an entire culture. In this hands-on course, students will design and make clothes for the runway and for every day. A large amount of course time is spent in the design room and production floor, so be prepared to get your hands dirty!  We will study famous eras in fashion, as well as the icons that captured our hearts - and closets. We'll also examine the rise and fall (and rise again) of various fabrics, styles and trends. Finally, we'll discuss the positive and negative impact of fashion, and how fashion plays into personal identity with everything culminating in the 2012 fasion show!

    Testimonials

    "The best experience of my daughter's life. Her words. Thank you!!"

    "In just two weeks, I made wonderful new friends, and I learned so much in and out of the classroom! The staff is completely committed to making your experience the absolute best it can be! I highly recommend this program; it is truly amazing!"

    "By the second day we had each other laughing hysterically on our way back from the dining hall. I couldn't believe how quickly we all became friends."

    "It's an excellent way to get a feel of what college is all about. You get to actually see what a real campus looks like, make new friends that you can stay in touch with, and experience college life before it really happens!"

    "I've learned more about writing in this last week than I've learned through out my whole 3 years of high school."

    "Blueprint was an awesome program! The staff is wicked friendly, you get plenty freedom (as long as you are responsible), and the people I met are AMAZING!!!"

    "This is one of the best pre-college programs around!"