15 STEM Programs for High School Students in Washington DC
STEM programs can be a smart move if you’re a high school student who wants to understand how science, technology, engineering, or medicine function beyond the classroom. Through lab activities, research assignments, design projects, and data analysis, you gain structured exposure to the tools, methods, and expectations common in STEM fields while learning. This combination of skill development, mentorship, and academic exposure makes STEM programs a practical option if you are considering future study or careers in these areas.
Why should you attend a program in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., is home to various universities, medical centers, federal labs, and national institutions that host programs in fields like biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and public health. Depending on the program, you might work in a lab, build a prototype, analyze real datasets, practice clinical skills, or contribute to museum-based STEM projects. These opportunities can be especially appealing if you live or study in the D.C. area and want access to local resources, but they also make sense for students traveling in to explore a city deeply connected to research and policy.
To help you compare options, we’ve narrowed our focus to 15 STEM programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
1. Spark!Lab Teen Innovators Program
Location: National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $2,300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small, focused group
Dates: July 1 – August 16
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 15–17 from the DMV area
As a participant in the Spark!Lab Teen Innovators Program, you spend seven weeks working part-time at the National Museum of American History, contributing about 16 hours per week in a public-facing museum role. You’ll support visitors in the Lemelson Center’s invention space while learning how educational facilitation works in real time. Alongside this, you collaborate with other interns on an invention project tied to either historical exhibit design or music history and beat production. The internship concludes with a working prototype designed specifically to engage teen museum visitors.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small group and 1:1 mentorship formats
Dates: Multiple 12- to 15-week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have either completed the AI Scholars program or have experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI offers online, mentor-led programs that introduce you to artificial intelligence through structured coursework and project-based learning. If you are new to the field, the AI Scholars track covers machine learning fundamentals, neural networks, and data science across ten sessions. You work in small groups to complete an applied AI project while receiving feedback from mentors affiliated with institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. If you already have experience, the AI Fellowship focuses on developing an independent research project with one-on-one mentorship. This advanced track includes guidance on research design, experimentation, and technical writing. You may also receive support in preparing your work for submission to high school research journals.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Varies by Department of the Navy (DoN) lab, including Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants); $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~300 placements nationwide
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 (16+) who are U.S. citizens
SEAP places you in a U.S. Department of the Navy research laboratory for an eight-week summer internship focused on hands-on STEM research. In Washington, D.C., placements can include facilities such as the Naval Research Laboratory or NAVSEA. You work alongside scientists and engineers on active projects in fields like engineering, physics, chemistry, or computer science. Typical responsibilities include assisting with experiments, analyzing data, and supporting technical problem-solving tasks. Each intern is paired with a research mentor who guides them throughout this prestigious STEM program for high school students in Washington, D.C. Selection is competitive and based on academic performance, recommendations, and demonstrated interest in scientific research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 1:1 mentor-student ratio
Dates: Multiple sessions, including Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter cohorts, are scheduled each year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a fully remote research experience that pairs you with a PhD mentor for individualized academic guidance. You’ll design and complete a full research project, starting with formulating a research question and conducting a literature review. The program is focused on research methodology, including data collection, analysis, and academic writing. STEM-focused students can pursue topics in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics. You meet regularly with your mentor to receive feedback and refine your approach. The final deliverable is a completed research paper that documents your findings and analytical process. Participants may also earn UC San Diego credit or submit their work to journals or competitions.
5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide, including Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosedAcceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 2–5 students per lab
Dates: Typically June – August; vary depending on the location
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; at least 16 years old; Site-specific requirements may apply
Through the AEOP High School Apprenticeship, you spend the summer working in a U.S. Army research lab or a partnered university laboratory. These are paid, full-time internships that focus on applied research in STEM fields such as biology, materials science, engineering, or cybersecurity. You’ll assist with active research projects under the supervision of professional scientists and engineers. Daily work can include running experiments, using lab equipment, or analyzing datasets. Beyond the lab, the program provides access to workshops, webinars, and career panels focused on STEM pathways. Interns also become part of AEOP’s national network of students and professionals.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands; participants are placed within a 45-minute commute of their home.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective (about 3%); 27–33 students
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August (flexible)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors; at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week, paid summer internship focused on fisheries science and aquatic conservation. As a Hutton Scholar, you are paired with a fisheries professional and work in real research and conservation settings. Depending on your placement, you may participate in fish population surveys, water quality testing, habitat restoration, or laboratory analysis. Some sites involve fieldwork such as electrofishing, snorkeling, or multi-day trips, while others emphasize data processing or microscopy. You are expected to submit biweekly time sheets, a mid-summer report, and a final written reflection. The program combines mentoring with hands-on experience in both freshwater and marine environments.
7. D.C. Health and Academic Prep Program (D.C. HAPP)
Location: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 16 students
Dates: 4 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors with at least a 2.0 GPA who attend public schools in the DMV region and reside in the DC metro area
D.C. HAPP is a four-week STEM program for high school students in Washington, D.C., hosted by GWU’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The program is designed for underrepresented high school students interested in healthcare careers. You’ll practice basic clinical skills, explore a range of health professions, and develop a public health project. The instruction comes from medical students, physicians, and public health professionals who also serve as mentors. The curriculum includes college readiness support, such as guidance on applications and academic planning. After completing the program, some students may have the opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals at GW Hospital.
8. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – Summer Research Volunteer Program
Location: Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; ~30 students
Dates: Mid-June – mid-August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age by June 22
In the Lombardi Summer Research Volunteer Program, you spend eight weeks working full-time in a cancer research laboratory at Georgetown University Medical Center. You are assigned an independent or collaborative research project under the supervision of a research scientist. Daily work involves laboratory experiments, data collection, and analysis related to cancer biology or treatment. You’ll also attend weekly seminars covering topics such as tumor immunology, cancer genetics, drug development, and health policy. Mentors meet with you regularly to review progress and address questions. The experience concludes with opportunities to present and discuss your research in a professional lab setting.
9. Howard University – Pharm STEP 1 Program
Location: College of Pharmacy, Howard University
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20–30 students
Dates: June 15–26
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA | US Citizen or Permanent Resident | High aptitude for science and math
The Howard University Pharm STEP 1 Program is a two-week, non-residential academic enrichment program at the College of Pharmacy designed to introduce high-achieving students to the pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice through faculty-led instruction and laboratory experience. You’ll attend lectures in subjects such as biology, chemistry, medical terminology, and pharmacology calculations. The program also includes hands-on exposure at clinical hospital sites. The application process includes an interview that emphasizes academic readiness and interest in healthcare. The experience is led by faculty with professional experience in pharmacy and health sciences.
10. The Catholic University of America – Engineering New Frontiers Institute
Location: The Catholic University of America
Cost: $1,800; early-bird discounts are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 25–40 students
Dates: July 21–25
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: High school students entering their junior or senior year
The Engineering New Frontiers Program is a one-week residential summer experience for high school students exploring engineering fields. You’ll rotate through hands-on laboratory exercises, design workshops, coding sessions, and prototyping projects. The disciplines covered include biomedical, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Faculty from The Catholic University of America lead academic training and guide project work. You’ll apply engineering concepts to practical problems using modern lab equipment and tools. The schedule also includes cultural and technical experiences in the Washington, D.C. area.
11. The Catholic University of America – Computational Biosciences Institute
Location: The Catholic University of America
Cost: $2,250; scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically around 20 students
Dates: July 7–16
Application Deadline: Typically, late April
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Computational Biosciences Institute is a 10-day residential academic program for rising high school juniors and seniors. You’ll complete an intensive, graded course focused on computer science programming using MATLAB. The curriculum uses real biomedical imaging and scientific datasets to teach computational problem-solving. This STEM program for high school students in Washington, D.C. is equivalent to a first-year, three-credit undergraduate computer science requirement at accredited engineering programs. You spend significant time coding, debugging, and analyzing data.Transfer credit depends on how each college evaluates the course.
12. Hoya Summer High School Sessions – Nursing Academy
Location: Georgetown University
Cost: Residential: $4,120; Commuter: $3,490 + nonrefundable $50 application fee; need-based, limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically around 20–40 students per session
Dates: July 19–25
Application Deadline: April 15Eligibility: Current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.0 | Must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in
The Nursing Academy is a one-week program that introduces you to the academic and practical foundations of nursing. You’ll explore nursing fundamentals, healthcare settings, and related biological and social sciences. A key component is hands-on clinical simulation using a lifelike patient simulator at Georgetown’s Clinical Simulation Center. Faculty-led sessions also address ethics, cultural competency, and professional responsibilities in healthcare. You’ll also learn about different nursing specializations, including acute care, family practice, and women’s health. The program combines lectures, activities, and group discussions throughout the week, along with site visits and interactive workshops that connect classroom concepts to real clinical environments.
13. GWU Pre-College Program in Biomedical Engineering
Location: The George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus or virtual
Cost: In-person: $1,000; Virtual: $250; need-based full and partial scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; roughly 15–25 students
Dates: In-person: July 20–24; Virtual: July 27–31
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed both Algebra 1 and Biology with a letter grade equal to a B or higher in both courses (a grade of B- is not sufficient)
GWU’s Pre-College Program in Biomedical Engineering introduces you to research-driven biomedical engineering through lectures, labs, and design projects. You’ll study topics such as biomechanics, medical imaging, and tissue engineering. The STEM program for high school students in Washington, D.C., emphasizes laboratory safety, experimental techniques, and diagnostic technologies like PCR and gel electrophoresis. Students also gain experience with data analysis and software tools such as MATLAB. Students work on biomedical device design using 3D modeling and prototyping methods. Attendance is required for all sessions to receive a certificate of completion.
14. Hoya Summer High School Sessions – Medical Immersion Academy
Location: Georgetown University
Cost: Residential: $9,540; Commuter: $7,610 + nonrefundable $50 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 30–50 students per session
Dates: June 21 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.0 | Must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in
The Medical Immersion Academy offers a focused introduction to a first-year medical school curriculum. As a participant, you’ll study subjects including cell biology, pathology, immunology, cardiology, and endocrinology. The program also teaches emergency medical skills like physical exams, CPR, suturing, airway management, and splinting. The program is led by faculty and medical students from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Learning takes place through lectures, labs, workshops, and group discussions. You’ll also complete a research-based poster tied to a medical theme explored during the program.
15. Hoya Summer High School Sessions – Artificial Intelligence Academy
Location: Georgetown University
Cost: Residential: $3,725; Commuter: $3,095 + nonrefundable $50 application fee;
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 25–40 students
Dates: June 7–13
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.0 | Must be at least 15 years old by the date of check-in
The Artificial Intelligence Academy examines AI as both a technical field and a social system. You’ll dive into the scientific foundations of AI, along with its ethical, political, and regulatory implications. The program combines lectures, guest speakers, discussions, and hands-on activities.You’ll work with basic AI models and simulations to understand how algorithms process data and influence decision-making. Topics include bias, transparency, privacy, and global governance frameworks. You also analyze real-world AI use cases across government and industry in this STEM program for high school students in Washington, D.C.
Image source - Lumiere Education