The American Experiment: Liberty for All?

What this program actually is

The American Experiment: Liberty for All? is a course run by University of Notre Dame. It's built for 9th–12th grade students who want to take a course from University of Notre Dame in Political Science.

There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 9th–12th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: Political Science. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in courses of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for The American Experiment: Liberty for All?. Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Work through structured material, often self-paced or on a fixed weekly schedule depending on the provider.
• Complete assignments, quizzes, or a final project to demonstrate what you learned.
• Some courses offer a certificate or credit — check the official page for whether this one does.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• Start with the deadline: July 18, 2026. Work backwards — most students underestimate how long recommendations and essay drafts take.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.
• Submit at least 24 hours before the deadline. Portals crash. Files fail to upload. Give yourself the buffer.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: In person in Notre Dame, IN.
• There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

After the program

The most valuable thing you take from The American Experiment: Liberty for All? is usually the concrete outcome itself, not a network — this kind of course doesn't come with guaranteed mentors or peers. Treat it as one data point in a bigger application story.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.