15 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in DC
If you are a high school student living in or around Washington, D.C., participating in a free program can be an accessible way to make the most of your summer. Summer programs designed for high school students typically offer opportunities to build skills, explore college life, and learn about potential careers. They’re structured to provide you with short, focused experiences over a few weeks. These programs also provide networking and learning opportunities without charging tuition. Additionally, you don’t need to leave the city or pay for expensive travel or housing.
Many of these programs are run by universities, local nonprofits, and city departments. As a participant, you may explore fields like science, government, journalism, medicine, or the arts. Some of them offer access to career and college guidance, field trips, college credit, or even a small stipend!
Here are 15 free summer programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship Programs
Location: Sites across the U.S., including NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Provided based on academic level and internship duration
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22 | Spring: September 12
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
If you are interested in space, science, and technology, the NASA OSTEM Internship lets you work with real NASA teams through its internship programs. As an intern, you get a mentor who helps you learn and grow. You might design experiments, study space mission data, build tools, or help share NASA’s work with the public. In the process, you will exercise and refine research, critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. You will also learn how to work with a team and handle real projects. Throughout the program, you will have access to the support and guidance of NASA scientists and engineers.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including in summer.
Application deadline: May/June deadlines for summer sessions
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit some experience with AI concepts/Python
Veritas AI, an initiative founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are interested in learning about artificial intelligence. If you are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science, the AI Scholars program is a beginner-friendly option. During this 10-session boot camp, you will get an introduction to the fundamentals of AI and data science and work on real-world projects. An option for more advanced learning is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, which offers the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. This program also offers access to an in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. To know what to expect, you can check out some examples of past projects here.
3. DC High School Internship Program
Location: Various locations in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid; exact amount not specified
Dates: Various sessions during the school year, including spring and fall internships
Application deadline: June 14
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–21, in Washington, D.C.
The High School Internship Program offered by the DC government helps students in the area develop professional and life skills. As an intern, you will learn how to manage time, work on projects, solve problems, and become a stronger leader. You also get support as you plan for college, job training, a career, or the military. This is a paid internship where you explore different types of jobs and exercise and sharpen skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer sessions starting in June/July; programs can last from 12 weeks to a year
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; May/June deadline for the summer session
Eligibility: High school students with a high level of academic achievement; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers research opportunities to high school students across a broad range of subject areas. You can choose research topics in subjects such as psychology, data science, physics, computer science, engineering, economics, chemistry, international relations, and more. As a participant, you will work with Ph.D. mentors on a 1-on-1 basis to develop an independent research project. You will also work with a writing coach to understand the scientific writing rules. At the end of the 12-week program, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can find more details about the application here.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: A partnering local nonprofit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid internship; exact amount not specified
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; exact dates not specified
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program is designed for high schoolers interested in serving their communities. As an intern, you will work with a nonprofit and get real experience in service, leadership, and how nonprofits run. In the process, you will build skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. You will also learn how to lead and plan projects. You will attend a fully funded week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will meet other students from across the country, access leadership training, and learn about addressing social issues. This free program covers travel, housing, and food while providing you with the tools to make a real difference in your community.
6. Smithsonian Youth Programs
Location: Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; some programs, like NMNH Summer High School Internship, come with stipends
Dates: Typically June – August
Application deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students; grade-level requirements vary for each program
The Smithsonian Youth Programs offer free summer opportunities to high school students in D.C. who are interested in exploring history, museum collections, museum roles, or the arts and sciences. You can choose from various programs based on your interests and schedule. As a participant, you will work with Smithsonian experts, gain experience in different departments of museums, and get insights into careers in museums. The tasks vary by program, but you may typically assist museum staff in setting up exhibitions, engaging teens in the work of museums, guiding visitors, collecting specimens or pieces to be displayed, etc. In the process, you will use and refine skills like research, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Some programs also include workshops, field trips, camps, and networking opportunities.
7. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid for the summer on the basis of an annual salary of $37,238
Dates: Summer Session I: June 8 – 27 | Summer Session II: July 8 – August 1
Application deadline: Varies; you can check your senator’s website for specific deadlines
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 or 17 years old with a minimum GPA of 3.0
If you are passionate about government, politics, or law, the U.S. Senate Page Program is a free opportunity to directly engage in and explore the legislative process. As a page, you will assist senators and their staff members by delivering documents, running errands, and supporting daily operations on Capitol Hill. You will also attend the Page School, where you will learn about the history of the Senate, the legislative process, and how laws are made. This program will allow you to connect with other motivated students from across the country and explore Washington, D.C., through field trips and events. The program can help you build leadership skills, understand the inner workings of government, and network with influential figures in politics.
8. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country, including in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Starts at $501.60/week
Dates: Varies from project to project; most internships are scheduled in the summer, requiring a minimum commitment of eight weeks
Application deadline: January 10
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and U.S. citizens
The AFRL Scholars Program is a free opportunity to learn from full-time Air Force Research Lab scientists and engineers. As a participant, you will work with mentors on research projects, typically in engineering, aerospace science, 3D printing, chemistry, materials science, or related fields. You will help investigate aspects related to aircraft design, electromagnetics, lens modeling, and more. Through this program, you will develop skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication in the process. You will also have the opportunity to tour labs and gain research experience.
9. Georgetown University Summer College Immersion Program
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend offered upon program completion
Dates: June 29 – July 18
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Cristo Rey Network, KIPP Foundation school system, and other partner school systems or organizations
The Georgetown University Summer College Immersion Program is a free three-week opportunity for high school seniors to learn from university faculty. You will stay on campus, meet students from across the country, and engage in college-level classes, field trips, group talks, and workshops. You will engage in seminars where you explore subjects like international relations, business, cybersecurity, government, science, health, and the arts. This program can also help you prepare for future academics and career through SAT prep workshops, college search and prep sessions, and opportunities to network with mentors.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of the Navy
Location: Various lab locations in the U.S., including multiple sites in Washington, D.C
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, have completed Grade 9, and are U.S. citizens
SEAP is a research internship program for high school students interested in exploring lab work in science and technology fields. You will work in a Navy lab with real scientists and engineers and assist on a real technical research project. While the tasks can vary based on the lab, you will typically shadow professional researchers, engage in team-building sessions, participate in lab and submarine tours, and network with STEM professionals and peers. Throughout the program, you will have access to a mentor. The program also offers opportunities to explore technical careers and get exposure to the development and maintenance of submarines and naval tech.
11. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Opportunities throughout the U.S., including in Washington, D.C. You will be assigned an area within a 45-minute distance from your home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,000 stipend offered
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; flexible start and end dates
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors + recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers paid internships to high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. As a participant, you will learn about the field under mentorship from fisheries professionals and engage in projects focusing on aquatic habitat restoration, protection, and management. The program also offers insights into the life of a fisheries biologist and other career paths in the animal and marine sciences. You will examine aquatic specimens, conduct fish population surveys, practice electrofishing, and process data. The experience includes an all-expense-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit, featuring sessions on college preparation and exploring fisheries as a career field. You will present your project at the end of the program.
12. Architect of the Capitol Summer Internships
Location: Architect of the Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: 12-week summer internship; dates vary based on the internship.
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age; the precise requirements can vary for each opportunity.
The Architect of the Capitol is a federal agency responsible for maintaining the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill. It offers several internship opportunities to high school students interested in getting work experience and exploring federal careers. The exact duties will vary based on the role you choose. For instance, if you intern as an Engineering Aide, you will assist with chemical deliveries and sustainability research. You will also engage in tours and networking opportunities. This program can help you build professional and technical skills while learning the inner workings of a federal agency.
13. NASA Pathways Internships
Location: Various NASA locations; students in Washington, D.C., can apply for positions at NASA Headquarters
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by role
Dates: Long-term internships running alongside the school year
Application deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: High school students who are 16+ and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
If you want a long-term internship where you can grow and work on real space and science projects, the NASA Pathways Internship is worth exploring. As a Pathways intern, you work for more than one semester. You will engage in engineering and technology tasks or business responsibilities alongside and under the supervision of NASA scientists, engineers, and other professionals. In the process, you will get to develop skills like problem-solving, teamwork, research, data analysis, communication, and project planning. You can find jobs here based on USAJobs according to your interests, whether they lie in engineering, technology, business, math, or program management. The internship can help you prepare for a full-time job at NASA in the future.
14. Girls Who Code Pathways Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free + $300 needs-based grant offered
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: TBA; applications open mid-January
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9 to 12
Girls Who Code offers free programs to students interested in exploring computer science and developing coding skills. One of the summer opportunities, called Pathways, is a six-week online course where you learn coding skills at your own pace and learn how to use programming languages like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and Python. As a participant, you will work on real projects, building websites, apps, or data tools, and develop skills in creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The program is conducted through video lessons, with access to support from advisors if you need assistance. Each course takes about three to six hours to finish, and you get a certificate when you complete it. You also have the opportunity to meet other students and professionals in the tech industry.
15. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency High School Scholars Internship Program (HSSIP)
Location: Hybrid internship—virtual and in-person at Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Six weeks
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors living in Washington, D.C., or Prince George’s County, MD; applicants must be nominated by their school
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury responsible for supervising national banks and savings groups, offers full-time internships to high schoolers. During HSSIP, you will learn about how banks work and what it means to supervise them, and explore jobs in banking and government. You will also develop a resume, a reflection paper, a brief paper on mentorship, an elevator pitch, and a final project during the program. You will also get insights into mentorship, either while helping another student or seeking guidance from a mentor. OCC also hosts special events where you can meet people from other agencies and expand your network. This program helps you gain experience working in a professional setting and develop skills in public speaking, financial literacy, writing, and teamwork.
Image source - NASA Logo