You can register via Engage and at the end you will be redirected to a payment system in the AU portal. You will need your login credentials to complete payment. 

If you need help or encounter any issues, please contact the Center for Community Engagement & Service at e-mail (volunteer @american.edu) or phone (202-885-7378).

Doing community service is a great way to get to learn about DC issues as well as give back to the city that will be your home for the next few years. Plus, you'll be doing service with a group of other freshmen, so you have the opportunity to make some new friends. Explore DC is a great way to get involved in social justice and meet new people. 

Yes! If you are unable to attend Eagle Summit during the summer, you can still participate in Explore DC. But, if you attend the Explore DC Program you will not be able to participate in Eagle Summit in August. If you are interested in attending Eagle Summit and Explore DC, you should attend an Eagle Summit in June or July.

Of course! Just let us know in advance so that we can place you at the proper type of organization.

Feel free to e-mail us at exploredc@american.edu or call us at 202-885-1553 with any other questions!

When you check in for Explore DC in the amphitheater on Tuesday, August 23.

Explore DC participants will move into their dorms and register for the event between 9:00am and 4:00pm in the Mary Graydon Center lobby on Tuesday, August 20th. 

Our opening ceremony is on Tuesday, August 20th at 5:30pm. Requests for earlier arrival dates should go through Housing and Dining Programs, 202-885-3370 or housing@american.edu.

As soon as you receive your housing assignment you will have the option to select early move-in. To participate in our events starting Tuesday evening, please select to be moved-in by that date. You can check your housing assignment through your my.american.edu portal. Questions about your housing assignment should be directed to Housing and Dining Programs, 202-885-3370 or housing@american.edu. 

Be ready to wear work clothes. Please note that closed-toed shoes are often required at sites. Ask your group leader about what is appropriate to wear to your site. You should also keep in mind that in DC summers tend to be extremely hot and humid, so plan accordingly. You will be provided with an Explore DC tshirt to wear on each day of the experience. 

Plan to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle to be prepared for the day. Some of you will be inside doing office work, but better to come prepared (plus, you will need all of that throughout the year as well). 

You'll want to plan for $10-$15 a day for a neighborhood community lunch on either of the days. Breakfast is provided Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Your meal plans will cover breakfast during Explore DC.
 

You will be with your Explore DC group starting Tuesday evening for dinner and you won't reconvene until the following morning around 8am. Wednesday and Thursday  will be full days, but there will be time in the evening to recharge adn socialize before our evening activities! This will give you plenty of time to orient yourself to campus, your new great Explore DC friends and DC.