Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ages of Light the World! Participants?
The Light the World! summer institute is welcoming students who are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors (ages 15-18).
What are the arrival and departure times?
Check in begins at 12:00pm on the Sunday of the program week. Dismissal on the Saturday will be at 12:00pm.
How do I get to The Catholic University of America?
| From the West, I-66 | I-66 from Virginia empties onto Constitution Avenue. Continue east on Constitution Avenue and turn left on 6th Street, NW. Turn right on E Street, NW. Turn left on North Capitol Street. Drive approximately 2 miles and turn right on Michigan Avenue, NE. You will soon see the dome of the Shrine on your left marking a University entrance at 4th Street, NE. Once you arrive on campus, continue past the Shrine toward Caldwell Hall. Please park at the northeast corner of McMahon parking lot, nearest Centennial Village. |
| From the South, I-95 | When I-95 intersects the Capital Beltway in Springfield, Virginia, follow I-395 North. After crossing the Potomac River, take the “Route 1 North” exit. The road becomes 14th Street, NW. Turn right on Constitution Avenue. Turn left on 6th Street, NW. Turn right on E Street, NW. Turn left on North Capitol Street. Drive approximately 2 miles and turn right on Michigan Avenue, NE. You will soon see the dome of the Shrine on your left marking a university entrance at 4th Street, NE. Once you arrive on campus, continue past the Shrine toward Caldwell Hall. Please park at the northeast corner of McMahon parking lot, nearest Centennial Village. |
| From the East, Route 50 | Take Route 50 West (becomes New York Avenue) and exit on South Dakota Avenue. After approximately 1.3 miles, turn left onto Monroe Street. Follow Monroe Street until it merges with Michigan Avenue. You will see the dome of the Shrine on your right marking a university entrance at 4th Street, NE. Once you arrive on campus, continue past the Shrine toward Caldwell Hall. Please park at the northeast corner of McMahon parking lot, nearest Centennial Village. |
| From the Northwest, I-70 to I-270 | From Frederick, Maryland, take Exit 53, I-270 South to Washington. I-270 divides. Take the 495 East, Silver Spring/College Park exit (two left lanes). You will eventually feed onto the beltway, I-495. Continue on I-495 and take Exit 22 B, the Baltimore/Washington Parkway. Continue traveling south on the Parkway and exit at Route 50 West. Take the South Dakota Avenue exit. After approximately 1.3 miles, turn left onto Monroe Street. At Michigan Avenue, Monroe Street ends. Bear left and you will see the dome of the Shrine on your right marking a university entrance at 4th Street, NE. Once you arrive on campus, continue past the Shrine toward Caldwell Hall. Please park at the northeast corner of McMahon parking lot, nearest Centennial Village. |
| From the North, I-95 to I-495 | Follow I-95/I-495 South to Exit 22B, the Baltimore/Washington Parkway. Continue traveling south on the Parkway and exit at Route 50 West. Take the South Dakota Avenue exit. After approximately 1.3 miles, turn left onto Monroe Street. Monroe Street ends at Michigan Avenue, NE. Bear left and you will see the dome of the Shrine on your right marking a university entrance at 4th Street, NE. Once you arrive on campus, continue past the Shrine toward Caldwell Hall. Please park at the northeast corner of McMahon parking lot, nearest Centennial Village. |
Where should I park once I arrive on campus?
Participants will be staying in Centennial Village which is the center point of campus. The nearest parking lot is McMahon Parking lot outside of McMahon, Caldwell, and Hannan Halls. Park in the northeast corner nearest Centennial Village where our staff will meet you once you arrive, look for students in coordinating yellow polo shirts. Please refer to our campus map.
Will the students be well chaperoned during the week?
Supporting the students who are participating in the Institute is one of our chief concerns. We have employed some of Catholic U’s finest undergraduates to serve as counselors throughout the week. They, along with our Program Director and Assistant Director, will be present with the students for all trips and talks in order to chaperone the students and offer any support that is needed. In addition, staff stay in the dorm buildings with the participants throughout the weeks in case of an emergency.
How do I apply?
Follow the “How to Apply” tab in the main menu of this website which shares the required application and all other necessary materials to be considered for Light the World! The application fee is under consideration. Once the online application is completed, students will be notified of acceptance within 14 business days.
Does Light the World! honor roommate requests?
We try to honor requests for roommates, but cannot guarantee placement. Please email lighttheworld@cua.edu for further questions on this.
What is the cost to attend?
The price for a week with Light the World! is $525 and covers all costs for the program. There is an additional $25 application fee. Our hope is that the cost of the institute does not deter any interested participants. Scholarship is available upon request; please email lighttheworld@cua.edu to inquire.
Have a question that was not answered?
Email our Team: lighttheworld@cua.edu