Summit 2006 is over. Thanks to all who participated.
Please check back again for Summit 2007!

The Clerc Center Honors Program
Summit 2006: Learn. Lead. Achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the qualifications for participating in Summit 2006?

Summit 2006 is looking for highly motivated deaf and hard of hearing students (currently in grades 9, 10, and 11) who are excited about reaching their full potential as academic students and as future leaders. All who fit this category are encouraged to apply.

Is there an application process? When is the deadline?

This year, we are not having a formal, competitive application process to attend Summit 2006. Instead, we are taking the first 50 students from across America who apply to the program and submit the program fee. Because we are taking the first 50, we do not have an official deadline. When all 50 spots are filled, program enrollment will be closed.

How much does the program cost?

The total program fee is $150. This is a non-refundable payment that must accompany your application in order to secure your spot in the program. However, if you submit your payment and the 50 spots are full, then we will fully refund your money.

What does the $150 fee cover? Are there additional costs?

The program fee covers all housing, food, and activity fees for the week. Students will need additional money for souvenirs, snacks, and a few meals out.

What about transportation to and from the program?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program. Some students will have their parents/guardian drive them to Gallaudet University, but the majority of students will fly into Washington, DC.

What airport do I fly into? What time should I plan to arrive on Monday, June 19th?

Although there are three major airports close to the DC area, we recommend flying into Reagan National Airport (airport code- DCA). You need to select flights which will arrive at Reagan between 11:00am-3:00pmEST. (Students whose flights arrive later than 3:00pm are required to secure their own transportation to Gallaudet University from the airport.) We will have program staff members at a central location in the airport from 11:00am -3:00pm to greet students as they arrive. Students will then ride a Gallaudet bus to the university.

For what time should I plan my departure flight home on Friday, June 30th?

The program is officially over after breakfast on Friday morning, June 30th. Students should choose a departing flight which leaves DCA between 11:00am -2:00pm. All students departing from Reagan National Airport during this timeframe will ride a Gallaudet bus to the airport. (Students with departing flights not within the above timeframe are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements to the airport.) Parents/guardians picking up their children must also do so before 11:00am on June 30th.

Where will the students be housed during the program?

Program participants will be housed in the Model Secondary for the Deaf (MSSD) dorms, located within the gates of the Gallaudet University campus. Although all participants are staying in the same dorm, boys and girls will be separated by floors and will not be allowed to go into each other’s respective floors at any time during the program. We will have a male dorm facilitator and a female dorm facilitator on duty during all hours the students are required to be in the dorms.

Who are the staff individuals leading Summit 2006?

All Summit staff are current employees of Gallaudet University and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Summit Coordinator is Daniel Dukes, Coordinator of the Clerc Center Honors Program. Other staff members include MSSD AP teachers, ASL coordinator, and residence educators.

What communication will be used during Summit 2006?

ASL will be the primary communication for the program. All activity session leaders will use ASL during their presentations and activities. Although the program participants will come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences, all program participants should have a basic working level of conversational ASL.

What can I expect from a typical day during the program?

The day will begin with breakfast in the Gallaudet cafeteria. Following breakfast, students will move to their AP “Preview” Classes and will participate in rich, higher-level activities and discussions on a wide variety of academic topics. Students will participate in various AP “Preview” classes during the two weeks, including US History, Biology, English, and Psychology. All sessions will be led by MSSD honors/AP teachers.

After lunch, students will move to the portion of the program titled “A Journey Through Deaf History.” During the afternoon sessions, students will participate in discussions, activities, guided tours, and presentations related to deaf history and deaf culture. These sessions will be led by ASL Coordinator Dan Mathis.

Several late afternoons will consist of free time on the MSSD campus, in which students will be able to participate in a wide variety of games and activities in our Eagle Center, as well as swimming time in the MSSD pool.

Evening sessions will focus on developing the leadership potential of each student in the program. Activities will include leadership simulations, strategizing games, team-building activities, and exciting debates. All of these activities are designed to help foster community among the program participants as well as to stretch each of their unique leadership abilities.

Will I get to visit all of the historical sites in Washington, DC?

A very important component of Summit 2006 is to provide students with the Washington, DC experience. Our Weekend in Washington tour (June 24-25) will take students to visit numerous historical sites around the city. We are in the process of putting together the specifics of the tour, and more details will be available soon.

For additional information, contact Daniel.Dukes@gallaudet.edu.