Anthony Kakoyannis helps a young member of Life Pieces to Masterpieces plant a flower in the new butterfly garden outside the Northeast Washington facility. (Photo: Jeff Watts)

The Freshman Service Experience is a three night, two day program focused on community service,leadership development and orientation to American University and DC. During the day, student-led volunteer groups work at over 50 nonprofit sites throughout the city. In the evenings, participants meet with faculty, alumni, deans, community leaders, and policy makers to discuss how the work they have done in the community relates to the academic challenges that lie ahead. There are also nightly evening programs, highlighting the rich and unique culture of DC through local performers.