Carleton Liberal Arts Experience

Program Dates

Saturday, July 15, 2023, through Saturday, July 22, 2023

Application opens: January 23, 2023
Deadline to apply: April 14, 2023

Program Overview

The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) is a free, week-long summer academic program for high school students. CLAE supports 52 high school students who have just completed their sophomore year. CLAE Scholars experience the benefits of a liberal arts college education through classes in science, art, social studies, and technology. Students from across the country are invited to apply for this academic program. In order to participate in this year’s fly-in program, you must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, including a booster shot if eligible.

CLAE is intended for students who identify as Black or African American, or who have an interest in African American culture. Throughout the week,  scholars will focus on African American community and identity through the framework of a liberal arts education.

CLAE also includes preparation and guidance for the college search and application process. CLAE Scholars live in our campus dorms for the week, with opportunities to explore our college town and the Twin Cities and participate in fun group activities.

Recent CLAE course offerings include:

• • The African American Experience
  • Schooling, Opportunity, & Identities in the U.S
  • What We Don’t Know We “Know”: Pop Culture and the Distortion of Reality
  • Religion and the Black Freedom Struggle
  • DNA Fingerprinting: The Science of Forensics

Recent college application workshop offerings include:

• • Understanding Your Options: What Make a Liberal Arts Education Unique?
  • Keys to Getting Into College: What You Need to Know About the Application Process and Financial Aid
  • Write Your Way In: Strategies for Success on Your College Application
  • Navigating College: Where and How to Find Support on Campus

CLAE Scholars are supported by Carleton faculty members, admissions staff, and current Carleton students. It is a great way to meet other students from across the country and to get a sense of what a liberal arts education is like. 

Who should apply?

Students who identify as Black or African American, or who have an interest in African American culture, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be college-bound high school students who are current sophomores. The CLAE program occurs in the summer between sophomore and junior year of high school. Please note that the selection process for CLAE is competitive, and successful applicants tend to demonstrate great academic promise and a strong level of community involvement.