Carleton Liberal Arts Experience

The Carleton Liberal Arts Experience (CLAE) is a week-long summer program for high school students. The curriculum explores African American history, identity, and contemporary culture through the framework of a liberal arts education. It’s designed for Black and African American students and those interested in African American studies. The free program provides exposure to highly rigorous, college-level coursework within the unique style of education found only at liberal arts colleges like Carleton.

Application Details

The 2024 application will be opening soon!

Dates: June 20 – June 27, 2024

New! We invite applications from juniors who possess a strong academic record, are intellectually curious, and socially engaged.

Program Details

CLAE is a free program made possible by generous Carleton alumni who are dedicated to advancing liberal arts education within the Black/African American community. 

CLAE is interdisciplinary, featuring courses in the humanities, arts, and STEM through the lens of African American studies. The program also prepares students for the college search, application process, and thriving at elite colleges.

Each CLAE cohort is comprised of 52 scholars from all across the U.S. Admission to the program is highly selective.

Scholars experience life at Carleton including living in the dorms and eating in the dining halls. Mentorship is a highlight of the program. Current Carleton students who are engaged in the Black/African American community provide guidance and leadership to CLAE Scholars throughout the week.

The schedule includes a survey of four distinct courses taught by leading professors, college prep workshops led by professional Carleton staff members, and community building activities. All costs related to housing, food, and transportation are covered by Carleton.

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. We’re looking for academic excellence, investment beyond the classroom in activities, talent, or work, and a desire to engage with values of diversity and inclusion.

At Carleton, students love to learn and enjoy challenging their intellectual capacity. It’s fueled by deep curiosity and desire to make an impact. Applicants should embody these characteristics. 

Please Note: Beginning in 2024, CLAE will occur in the summer between junior and senior year and only rising seniors will be considered. Students who are currently in 11th grade are eligible to apply for the Carleton Liberal Arts Experience.