Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program

MODELS OF EXCELLENCE

The award-winning Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars program is one of the foremost leadership development and graduate preparation programs for Honors students in America today.

The program offers American University's most prestigious, merit-based scholarship (full tuition, room, board, books, mandatory fees, and semester abroad) to exceptional incoming freshmen committed to excellence.

Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars draw on the knowledge, experience, and network of influential alumni, faculty, and staff to foster a collaborative community in which they prepare for graduate/professional school, nurture their originality, and develop the distinctive skills necessary for socially responsible leadership.

VISION

To be American University's foremost student and alumni leaders in pursuit of excellence.

MISSION

To elevate the ideas, influence, and impact of enterprising students for creative problem-solving, post-baccalaureate education, and socially-responsible leadership.

CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY

We prioritize ethical decision-making and sincere action over all else in everything that we do.

ALTRUISM

We lead lives dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through philanthropy, advocacy, and engagement.

AMBITION

We maximize our social, cultural, and intellectual capital with our expectation of high achievement and world-class leadership.

INNOVATION

We harness our individual talents and our collective passion for impactful citizenship to find creative solutions to modern challenges.

BELONGING

We cultivate a community where individuals can learn, work, and interact in a supportive and collegial manner while celebrating differences in race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and opinion.