Program Dates:

July 31-August 6, 2010

Program Description:

Carleton College is honored to host an inspiring summer program designed for the best and brightest college-bound students representing high schools across the country. The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) will select 50 high school students who are current sophomores and bring them to Carleton, all expenses paid, for a one-week summer program. The CLAE program introduces the strengths of a liberal arts education through an array of courses in science, art, social sciences, and technology. Course offerings may include:

• DNA Fingerprinting: The Science of Forensics
• Digital Photography and Truth: How are new digital technologies affecting the truth of photography?
• Write Your Way In: Strategies for Success in College and Scholarship Applications

In addition, workshops are offered to assist participants with their high school and college careers. Past workshop offerings have included:

• ACT/SAT Preparation
• Keys to Getting Into College: Application anxiety and financial aid

Eligibility:

Students of African American descent or students who have an interest in African American culture are encouraged to apply. College-bound students currently completing their sophomore year of high school.

How to Apply:

A CLAE application (PDF) is available for download on the upper right-hand corner of this page.

A teacher, counselor, or principal should nominate students to the program.  Nominations will open in January 2010. 

CLAE applications and all required documents are postmark due by April 9, 2010.

The CLAE selection committee will choose 50 students based on their academic record, personal essays, and recommendations.  The CLAE application includes a series of essays in which students elaborate on academic interests, community involvement, and leadership. Essay answers are typically a paragraph to a half page in length.  Letters of recommendation on applicants' behalf may be faxed to fax #(507) 222-4526, or emailed to clae@carleton.edu.

Costs:

Accepted students receive free room, board, tuition, and travel costs for the one-week CLAE program. Participants should bring funds for incidental costs.

Transportation:

Transportation to and from Carleton College will be provided. Additional details will accompany acceptance materials.

Campus Life:

Besides studying and writing, students will participate in a variety of group activities, which may include a trip to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area or to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Students will live with a roommate in Carleton residence halls, be supervised by resident assistants, and will have access to the cultural and recreational facilities of the campus: concert hall, tennis, basketball, racquetball and handball courts; soccer fields; and an 880-acre arboretum with 13 miles of hiking and jogging trails.

Attendance Policy:

CLAE is a residential program that requires full-time residence at the College for the duration of the program. Students are expected to remain on campus, with the exception of program-sponsored excursions. Only in cases of emergency, with the program director's approval, may students be absent from the program. We make no exceptions.

Contact:

Brian Swann, Director of Outreach Programs

Address:
Carleton Liberal Arts Experience
Carleton College
100 South College Street
Northfield, MN 55057

Phone:
866-SMR-CARL (866-767-2275)

Fax:
507-222-4526

E-mail:
clae@carleton.edu

Carleton College has long upheld a tradition of providing equal opportunity to all people. The following nondiscrimination statement is stipulated in the Minnesota State Statutes: As required by state and federal law, Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, age, or disability in the providing employment or in its educational programs and activities.