The College Program on Islam presents "On the Road"

College Program on Islam (CPOI) is offering a new program in 2018 called the On the Road. This year’s program is a 2-week road trip on Islamic History and diverse identities. It is an introduction into the pluralism of Muslim Identities across Atlanta, New York, Detroit, and Chicago. 

 

Each day, students participate in experiential learning activities ranging from visiting museums, historical sites, interviews and conversations with Muslim Americans, and meetings with Muslim American leaders. 

 

In addition, facilitators will lead discussions with you and your peers to reflect on your own faith and Ismaili identity. Throughout the program, you will have a chance to develop your writing skills and reflect further on your identity through blogging, podcasting, and collecting oral histories. A set of evening programs—ranging from topical discussions to analyzing the representation of Muslims in the Media—will be incorporated to enhance assimilation of learning. In addition, guest speakers have been scheduled to add different practical dimensions to the course. 

 

At CPOI, you can expect to:

 

• Have the opportunity to explore and reflect on what it means to you to be an American Ismaili Muslim

• Be surrounded by amazing peers and mentors who will challenge your thoughts and inspire you daily

• Learn about the history, cultures and interpretations of Islam from an experiential approach that presents multiple perspectives on each topic

• Discuss topics of contemporary interest including human rights, protest and social justice, and current social and political tensions across Muslim American communities

• Explore the history and diversity of the Ismaili community in America

• Participate in engaging activities that foster alternative forms of learning and growth

• Talk to influential speakers from all walks of life and listen to their stories about what it means, to them, to be Muslims in America

• Think more critically about your relationship with your faith and your identity

• Situate Shi’ism and the Ismaili Tariqah within the larger context of the intellectual and historical developments of Islam

CPOI is for rising college freshmen, college students and recent graduates. Anyone aged 18-25 is welcome, so long as you are in or have been to college. 

Please visit www.TheIsmailiUSA.org and create a free account if you don’t already have one. Once you have created an account, go to the tab “Youth Programs,” then “Camps.” You will be able to submit your application online.

The most important part of your application is the essay portion. Be true to who you are! If you don’t like to write, then send us a video clip or an art piece or a song. We’re looking to see how keen you are to critically engage.

This year's program will be held from May 20 – June 3, 2018. As the program is a road trip, we will begin in Atlanta, travel to New York City, Detroit, and end in Chicago.

There are several online portals available for you to learn about this program:

 

• Facebook Page

• www.TheIsmailiUSA.org

The cost of the program is $1,800 USD. The program fees include lodging, food, bus transport between cities, program materials, and the cost of scheduled activities. The program fees do not include the cost of airfare, which participants are responsible for booking on their own. Students should bring spending money should they wish to purchase additional snacks or souvenirs.

To apply for Financial Aid, you must submit 2 most recent consecutive years’ worth of your family’s tax returns to [email protected] by February 14, 2018 together with your application.

CPOI has a 'need blind' application process. This means that an applicant’s financial situation will not be considered when deciding admission.

Please send all your questions via email to [email protected]. We try to answer all questions as soon as we can, but it can take up to 3-5 business days.