Georgetown University Summer Programs Democracy, Peace & Conflict Academy

Weekdays are full. In Georgetown's sample schedule, you're in lectures, labs or off-site visits from 9:00 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m., with a 90-minute lunch in between. After dinner you come back for capstone project work from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest speakers, group discussions and visits around Washington fill those blocks.

From 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. there are optional activities, supervised by residential staff, before curfew. Georgetown's evening lineup includes movies, game nights, cookouts and concerts, and its Residential Living program adds off-campus outings and weekend trips. Breakfast runs from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and dinner from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Georgetown lists Elton Skendaj as the Academy's faculty member. He directs the university's MA in Democracy and Governance program, holds a PhD in Government from Cornell University and was previously the inaugural Gladdys Muir Professor of Peace Studies at Manchester University in Indiana. His research looks at how democratic institutions are strengthened and how conflicts can be prevented without violence, and he has worked on projects with the United Nations, the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Wilson Center.

That background lines up closely with the course topics, and Georgetown says he teaches through discussion, simulations and design papers. Other Georgetown professors, civil society activists and policymakers also speak during the week.

Georgetown's minimum bar is modest. Its Academies are open to students in 8th through 12th grade during the school year before the summer who are in good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA. Five of the Academies require students to be at least 15, but this one isn't among them. Admissions weighs your grades, the courses you've taken, a School Official Reviewer Form from a counselor, advisor, teacher or principal, and a 300- to 500-word personal statement on why you want to come. Homeschooled applicants need a reviewer who isn't a family member or paid tutor.

Admission is rolling, and Georgetown emails a decision within three weeks of receiving your complete application. One application covers every Academy. Being admitted doesn't hold you a place, though. Seats go first come, first served to admitted students who register and pay tuition in full, so register quickly once you're in.

International students don't need a student visa (I-20, F-1 or J-1) or TOEFL scores for the Academies, but Georgetown gives no visa help for them and recommends English strong enough to follow complex discussions and argue a viewpoint.

For Summer 2026 the week cost $3,725 if you lived on campus, covering tuition, a residence hall room and 19 meals, or $3,095 as a commuter, covering tuition only. Commuters could add a Georgetown Dining meal plan at its own price. Georgetown says its rates can change, so expect to confirm the Summer 2027 price once it's posted.

On top of tuition there's a $50 non-refundable application fee, which Georgetown waives if you apply by the Early Bird Deadline of 31 January 2027, and international students pay a $45 health insurance fee. Tuition is due in full by credit card when you register, and your seat isn't held until it's paid. If you drop, how much comes back depends on how close you are to the start date.

Georgetown also offers a limited number of need-based scholarships. They cover tuition only, and because funding is competitive, an award isn't guaranteed. You apply after you've been admitted, answering two essay prompts. The Summer 2027 Academy scholarship application is scheduled to open in late December 2026, the deadline is 2 March 2027, and decisions come by the last week of March.

Trained resident counselors live in every residence hall and supervise all students, with one on duty in each hall throughout the day, and commuters are assigned a counselor too. Evenings end with a curfew after optional activities, and Georgetown's Protection of Minors Policy covers everyone under 18.

The alcohol and drug rules are strict. Possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs, or even being around them, means immediate dismissal from the program and the residence halls. The Georgetown University Police Department patrols campus regularly, and outside business hours families can call it at (202) 687-4343 to reach the summer program staff member on duty.