2023 Summer Honors Program

The American Enterprise Institute’s Summer Honors Program is an intensive, fully-funded educational and professional development opportunity in Washington, DC, for top undergraduate students. Participants in the program have the chance to connect with the ideas, research, and network of AEI, one of America’s preeminent policy think tanks, by participating in an intensive one-week seminar with an AEI scholar or partner instructor.

The program gathers students from diverse ideological backgrounds for substantive dialogue and debate about the most pressing issues facing the country and world. The core feature of the program is a series of discussion-based seminars that offer participants forums to delve deeply into policy areas of their choice. Outside of the seminars, students participate in briefings with distinguished guests, high-level networking opportunities, and site visits in Washington.

The program aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of contemporary public policy challenges, a greater appreciation for substantive dialogue across ideological divides, and the knowledge and networks to pursue a future career in the policy world.

Location: Washington, DC
Dates: Students participate in an one-week course in June 2023.
Funding: This is a fully-funded program. Participants will receive: reimbursement for travel to DC, housing, a $250 stipend, and lunch and dinner on most class days.
Class Size: 12-18 students per class

How Do I Apply?

Eligibility: Current undergraduates and recent graduates (winter 2022 or later). International students are eligible to apply. Previous Summer Honors Program participants and current graduate students are not eligible.

Early Decision Deadline: December 7, 2022

Application Deadline: March 15, 2023. Letters of recommendation should be submitted no more than seven calendar days after the deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage students to apply early.

Our Program

2023 Summer Honors Program Courses

Sixteen week-long courses are being offered as part of the 2023 Summer Honors Program. Four of those courses—offered through AEI’s Initiative on Faith & Public Life—will integrate Christian faith, theology, and ethics into discussions about economics, public policy, and society. These courses are marked below.

June 5-9

Understanding the Middle East Challenge
with Michael Rubin

Democratic Capitalism: Principles & Practices
with Michael Strain

The Constitution: Original Meanings
with John Yoo

Technology’s Challenge to Democracy
with Christine Rosen *New Course for 2023*

June 12-16

Political Brokenness & Cultural Alienation: Civil Society in America
with Tim Carney

China and Competition in the Indo-Pacific
with Zack Cooper

Living the Good Life: The Human Person and Liberal Education
with Elizabeth Corey & David Corey | Initiative on Faith & Public Life

Are Markets Moral? In Search of a Humane Economy
with Mary Hirschfeld | Initiative on Faith & Public Life

June 19-23

K-12 Education: The Foundation of American Society, Economy, and Democracy
with Michael McShane

Christianity, National Identity, and America’s Role in the World
with Paul Miller | Initiative on Faith & Public Life 

American Unity and the Promise of Pluralism
with David French | Initiative on Faith & Public Life *New Course for 2023*

The American Safety Net: Work, Poverty, and Opportunity
with Angela Rachidi

June 26-30

Freedom, Progress, and Tradition
with Yuval Levin

International Economic Development: Why Institutions Matter
with Stephen Smith

More than a Paycheck: Work and Dignity in a Rapidly Changing Economy
with Brent Orrell *New Course for 2023*

Thinking about War
with Kori Schake

Past Participants, In Their Own Words

Summer Honors Academy

The primary objective of the Summer Honors Academy is to bring together a small cohort of top undergraduates who possess demonstrated potential for public square leadership, and provide them with an immersive educational and professional development experience alongside the AEI community in Washington D.C.

This ten-week residential experience includes participation in a Summer Honors Program course and working a D.C. internship, as well as access to exclusive AEI programming.