Explore DC (EDC) is a multi-day experience that includes service with nonprofits, exploration of neighborhoods, DC history and culture and evening programming for incoming first-year and transfer students at American University. It is part of AU All American Welcome, sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement and Service. Explore DC gives new students a chance to acclimate to their new home through logistical issues like transportation and food, and to learn about how the city works by exploring the burning issues faced by community members, and to be exposed to some of the cultural and historical resources that exist.

Register 

Apply to be a student leader

Questions? Email exploredc@american.edu or call (202)885-1553

The week's activities are listed below:

Tuesday

Title: Welcome Night

Date: Tuesday, August 23rd 

Time: 6pm - 7:30pm

Dinner will be served! Students that have registered will have a chance to meet others in the program and the group that they will be spending the next couple of days with.

Wednesday 

Title - Explore DC: Through Service

Date - Wednesday, August 24th

Start/End Time – Breakfast: 9am & Service: 10:30-4pm 

Description: This day will expose students to some of the big issues the DC metro area is faced with and give them an opportunity to get involved. Students will meet in the Tavern for breakfast and get into groups of 8-10, led by an upper-class peer through a service project hosted by one of our many community partners. Students will learn more about the issues that the community partner works to combat in the context of their local area and all of the resources they are able to use. Some of the issue areas will be youth & education,  food security, affordable housing, immigration and others.

Thursday

Title - Explore DC: Getting to Know the Neighborhoods 

Date - Thursday, August 25th

Start/End Time – Breakfast: 9am & Neighborhood visit: 10:30-4pm 

Description: Students get the opportunity to get to know the city a lot better while simultaneously making new friends! Students will meet in the Tavern for breakfast and then join a group to be a part of a deep dive into one particular neighborhood in DC.  They can choose from 9 different locations and will learn more about the culture, history, local transportation, and where the best spots for food in town are.