The College Program on Islam

From having faith to understanding it to believing in it

Are you ready to deepen your understanding of your faith and identity? Join us from June 7th to June 14th at Emory University for the annual College Program on Islam (CPOI) camp. Engage with top scholars and connect with fellow Ismailis from the United States and Canada. Don’t miss this transformative journey!

We encourage all Ismailis ages 18-25 from the United States and Canada to apply!

“[W]e want to make sure that we understand the evolution of Ismaili thought, in the past. It is a religion of the brain, a religion of the mind. It is not just a religion of the soul. It is a faith of reason. And so we want to try to make sure that the philosophies of the past are well understood and can have adequate space in modern life.”

— Imam Shah Karim Shah, Expresso Magazine Interview (Lisbon, Portugal), July 21st, 2018

What is the College Program on Islam (CPOI)?

The College Program on Islam (CPOI) is an eight-day academic exploration designed for Ismailis ages 18-25 who seek to deepen their understanding of their Shia Ismaili Muslim faith and identity through scholarly inquiry and intellectual engagement. CPOI offers a rigorous program that introduces participants to the academic study of Islam, focusing on historical analysis, social contexts, and cultural expressions within Islam. Participants will engage with distinguished scholars in Islamic studies and the humanities, tackling some of the most pressing issues within Muslim history and the contemporary Muslim experience in North America.

At CPOI, staff, scholars, and participants will engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas and foster a scholarly community where participants can critically reflect on the diversity of Muslim traditions and contemporary Ismaili Muslim experiences. The camp provides a unique opportunity to explore complex topics such as the evolution of religious authority in Islam, the intersections of race and religion, the intellectual traditions of Islam, the ethics of development, and the challenges and opportunities of pluralism.

Immerse yourself in a community of learning where dialogue, study, and reflection culminate in a deeper appreciation of your faith and its role in the modern world, as well as strengthening bonds with fellow Ismailis across the United States and Canada.

Straight from our Alumni

  • "The CPOI experience, a weeklong program filled with informative faith-related dialogue, was significantly transformative in developing my understanding of Islam in an academic paradigm, proving instrumental to my journey not only as an Ismaili, but a Muslim. For anyone looking to critically explore Islam, Ismailism, historical theology, and faith, the CPOI curriculum offers an engaging approach in an environment that encourages thoughtful inquiry, insightful discourse, and most importantly, a space to ask even the most challenging questions."

    — Anzar, USA, CPOI ‘24

  • "CPOI has been a transformative experience, profoundly deepening my faith and strengthening my Ismaili identity. Through engaging discussions with distinguished scholars and thought-provoking seminars, I gained invaluable insights into aspects of my faith that I had not previously explored. This journey has not only enriched my spiritual understanding but also fostered a stronger, more meaningful connection to my Ismaili identity."

    — Rehana, Canada, CPOI ‘24

  • "CPOI has permanently altered my approach to understanding my faith. Through academic study and lectures on the background, interpretations, and context, of hard-hitting subjects in Islam, CPOI created a safe environment that encouraged critical thinkng and philosophical discussions on topics that are relevant to young Ismaili Muslims. They also provided the resources for me to further research and develop my knowledge in these areas."

    — Rayaan, USA, CPOI ‘24

  • "CPOI taught me to approach Islam with a critical eye, especially by exploring the diversity within Ismaili heritage. It gave me the tools to analyze texts, engage with different perspectives, and deepen my understanding of the faith's rich complexities"

    — Jenny, Canada, CPOI ‘24

  • "CPOI expanded my understanding of my faith by introducing me to various academic frameworks. The distinct ways these frameworks approached the study of Islam was particularly insightful for me as they helped me feel more connected to both the broader Muslim ummah but also more appreciative of our own tariqah."

    — Azam, USA, CPOI ‘24

  • “Hearing from speakers outside of the Ismaili community helped provide a different lens. CPOI gave me a a new perspective on Islam and how my role as an Ismaili Muslim connects with the Ummah as a whole”

    — Arisha, USA, CPOI ‘23

  • "CPOI emphasizes the methods of studying Islam rather than focusing solely on its content, which I think makes it so unique. It introduced me to the use of the historical-critical method as a tool to explore how Islam has evolved over time. Studying Islam only in its present form can lead to incomplete or skewed perspectives."

    - Ali Muhammad, USA, CPOI ‘24

  • “My peers at CPOI were friendly, intelligent, and enthusiastic, and they pushed me to think on a higher level. I made many friends there, and we still have a participants group chat to keep in touch even now.”

    — Aseela, USA, CPOI ‘24

  • "CPOI helped me understand my faith in a way that has clarified my beliefs more."

    — Shazan, USA, CPOI ‘23

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • CPOI is for rising college freshmen, college students and recent graduates from the United States and Canada. Anyone aged 18-25 is welcome to apply.

     The program fee is $850 and financial assistance is available

  • The program is structured around two complementary tracks — Anthropology & Material Cultures and Intellectual History — meant to expose students to diverse approaches in the academic study of Islam. Each participant experiences both tracks, offering an unparalleled opportunity for intellectual exploration and academic engagement. Led by a distinguished team of scholars and experts, you will have the chance to pose challenging questions, encounter diverse scholarly perspectives, and achieve deeper understandings of complex subjects that may have eluded you before. You can learn more about our tracks and detailed curriculum here: CPOI Curriculum

  • The College Program on Islam (CPOI) is hosted at the esteemed Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its vibrant academic atmosphere and excellent student facilities. Participants will be staying in its world-class dormitories and have access to Emory's amenities, including the student cafeteria, libraries, and study spaces, enhancing the scholarly experience. This setting provides not only a backdrop of intellectual stimulation but also a comfortable environment conducive to learning and discussion. Join us for a unique educational journey, where the academic spirit of Emory University contributes to an immersive and enriching experience, deepening your understanding of Islamic studies in a truly academic setting.

Apply Now

This year, our camp will be held at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia from June 7th to June 14th.

DEADLINE: February 28th, 2025

“The main challenge for the study of Islam is to describe how its universalistic or abstract principles have been realized in various social and historical contexts without representing Islam as a seamless essence on the one hand or as a plastic congeries of beliefs and practices on the other.”

— Shahab Ahmed, What is Islam? The Importance of being Islamic, pg.8