Welcome Landing Page

Dear 2026 Virtual Early College Program Students and Families:

We are delighted to welcome you to the 2026 Virtual Early College Program (ECP) in Art History and Curatorial Studies program! ECP is a standout summer enrichment program for rising juniors and seniors in high school, offering cutting-edge instruction in Art History and virtual Curatorial Studies experiences in museums on the historic campuses of the AUC and at the High Museum of Art. Serving as a gateway for students to join the AUC Art Collective undergraduate degree programs at Spelman College, Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University, ECP offers successful program participants three (3) college credits to apply upon their undergraduate matriculation, an invaluable network of arts ecosystem leaders and a close knit community of lifelong friends.

Here’s to a memorable summer of learning, discovery and adventure!

Cheryl Finley Ph.D. Walton Endowed Professor and Director

Complete Your Student Profile

Welcome to our diverse cohort of students from across the nation and around the world. We are excited to get to know you this summer, as you all form bonds that we hope will last a lifetime. Using the link below, please complete the details of your student profile. This information will enable us to prepare for your arrival. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Get Started

Meet the Team

Get to know the people that make the 2026 Early College Program possible.

AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective

Cheryl Finley, Ph.D.

Walton Endowed Professor & Director

Rachel Brown, M.A.

Associate Director

Cheyenne Bryant

Program Coordinator

Things

To read

Photo: Summer 2024 participant, Roman Wallace, during his individual presentation at the High Museum of Art.

Make Sure

to Watch

Photo: Early College Program student views A Rebirth (2024) by artist Tokie Rome-Taylor.

Accounts

To Follow

Photo: Early College Program students engage in art conservation, collection documentation, and condition reporting.

Give this

A listen

Photo: A Museum Collections Manager speaks to Early College Program students about art preservation.

Early College Programs FAQs

Additional questions? Please contact Cheyenne Bryant, Program Coordinator at cheyennebryant@spelman.edu

WHY IS SUMMER 2026 VIRTUAL?

After careful consideration, Program Staff determined that a virtual program is the best format to avoid disruptions associated with public events taking place in Atlanta this summer. There is a projected city-wide gridlock associated with the FIFA World Cup events in Atlanta, in addition to major construction projects in the area. Both of which will make operating an in-person program a formidable challenge – as nearly 50% of our summer program activities take place off campus and in the city of Atlanta.

For two consecutive summers, ECP operated virtually with success. Several alum have enrolled at Atlanta University Center schools, including five (5) students who will graduate from Spelman with a BA in Art History in May 2026; Olivia Jones (ECP ’20 virtual from Maryland), Savannah Woodson (ECP ’21 virtual from St. Thomas – USVI), Nina Gilbert (ECP ’21 virtual from Pennsylvania), Amaya Loubeau (ECP ’21 virtual from Georgia) and Asata Young (ECP’21 virtual from Illinois).

The virtual format will allow Program Staff to deliver the same course SAVC 102 Ways of Seeing: Art History, Curating, Museums for three (3) college credits, from the comfort of your home. We look forward to using and introducing new technology and methods that will enhance engagement and participation for the 4-week program. Furthermore, we look forward to bringing together a diverse cohort of students, now with an increased ability to study with us from across the US, and around the world. Our staff is excited to provide students with the tools to dive into the cultural richness of their own communities, while also learning from the world class art collection and staff at the High Museum of Art.

ARE THERE ANY COSTS INVOLVED?

Tuition is fully funded by the AUC Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective! However, students may still incur costs for optional supplies, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and other materials.

WHAT IS THE CLASS SCHEDULE?

Class is scheduled from Monday to Friday. Students should expect to about four hours of instructional time a day, including a morning session, lunch break, and an afternoon session. The class’s meeting time and duration will be confirmed once the cohort is selected.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes will be led by our summer Instructor at Spelman College. Tuesdays and Thursdays will be reserved for the High Museum of Art’s programming and presentations.

Final exams and presentations are generally scheduled during our program’s closing week in late July. A class syllabus with these dates and details will be shared with students before the course begins.

WHAT SUPPLIES WILL I NEED FOR CLASS?

A computer or laptop, reliable WiFi, and a generally quiet space for lectures, guest speaker presentations, and in-class discussion are required for the virtual program.

WHERE CAN I FIND MY ASSIGNMENTS?

Once enrolled, students will have access to Canvas, Spelman College’s web platform for class assignments, quizzes, readings, grades, and other resources.

WILL THERE BE ANY OFF-LINE/ IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES?

Students will be encouraged to visit local sites of interest recommended by Program Staff, which will include museums, galleries, libraries, and other cultural institutions.

I REQUIRE CLASSROOM AND ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS. WHERE CAN I INDICATE THIS AND SUBMIT MY DOCUMENTATION?

Student Access Statement: Spelman College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to participate in class, complete course requirements, or benefit from the College’s programs or services, you should contact Student Access Center (SAC) as soon as possible. To receive any academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with SAC. The SAC works with student confidentially and does not disclose any disability related information without their permission. SAC serves as a clearinghouse on disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student service offices. For further information about services for student with disabilities, please contact the SAC at 404-270-5289 (voice), located in MacVicar Hall, Room 106.

Students who require classroom and academic accommodations may provide their documentation on the Summer 2026 Entry Form:https://www.cognitoforms.com/AUCArtCollective/EarlyCollegeProgramSummer2026EntryFormVirtualFormat

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