Join Discover the World of Communication this Summer!
Discover the World of Communication students learn to build a digital portfolio, script, shoot and edit a film, write news stories, speak with confidence, persuade, inform, educate, and entertain. SOC's professional, hands-on workshops—open to students entering grades 9 through 12—are taught by American University School of Communication (AU SOC) faculty and communication professionals. This is a commuter program located on AU's metro-accessible Northwest DC campus; students can attend a morning or afternoon course or take both a morning and afternoon course and save $100. Partial scholarships available for those with demonstrated need. Contact audiscover@american.edu
July 7, 2025 to July 18, 2025
Communication courses to expand your mind and broaden your creativity.
Morning courses from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Documentary Filmmaking and Storytelling
- Making the Short Film
- Public Relations Can Change the World
- Sports Communication and Promotion
Afternoon courses from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Public Speaking and Leadership
- Investigative Reporting and Professional Newswriting
- Photography Dark Room and Digital
- Acting & Directing for the Camera
View Student Work
Explore amazing work from last year's DWC students!
Have questions?
Email us at audiscover@american.edu or call 202-885-2098.
From Classroom to Newsroom
Gabe Ferris SOC/BA'23
"My time at SOC began in 2017 when I participated in [the] Discover the World of Communication summer camp. There, I learned some of my first professional communication skills from Professor Margot Susca, who would go on to teach me three journalism classes during my time as an undergrad student." Ferris, reccently named an SOC 30 Under 30 Honoree, is a reporter at ABC30/KFSN-TV in Fresno, California. His time with ABC News overlapped with his senior year at American University, where he studied Broadcast Journalism and CLEG and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Registration opens in January 2025. Filmmaking, photography, journalism, and public communication classes will be offered during one session from July 7-18.
Who teaches the classes?
The classes are taught by American Univeristy faculty and working professionals.
What do the program fees cover?
Your program fee covers your participation and supplies for the course.
How can I use what I do in these classes in the future?
Create a resume-worthy news article, video, photography portfolio, or game design that may be used for college admissions, internships, and your own enjoyment. You will receive a DWC certificate for each class you complete.
How many students can attend each class?
A minimum of eight students is required for each class to run as scheduled. We will cap enrollment at 18 students per course. If needed, additional sections may be added.
Is this a commuter-friendly program?
Yes, the Discover the World of Communication program is designed with the needs of commuting students in mind, located on American University's metro-accessible campus in Northwest DC. There is no residential component to the program this summer.
Are there discounts for AU faculty & staff members?
Yes! There is a 25% AU Staff/Faculty discount!
Receive a 25% discount when you use your AU email address to register your student and complete a simple form. You will receive a discount code by email to complete your registration after your form has been successfully submitted. Check your email for an invoice for the tuition cost including your 25% discount.