15 Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
As a high school student, participating in a short-term program can help you explore your academic interests and strengthen your profile. You’ll develop professional skills, connect with industry experts, and gain practical experience beyond classroom learning. These programs enable you to gain experience in fields that interest you, allowing you to explore potential career paths before deciding on a college major or long-term direction.
Why should you attend a program in Washington, D.C.?
D.C. offers a wide range of programs across fields, hosted by government institutions, museums, research labs, and global organizations. You can explore subjects such as public policy, international relations, journalism, STEM, and the arts through projects and build connections with mentors and peers. Whether you are a local student or visiting the capital, you can find a program that suits your interests and helps you develop your profile.
To help with your search, here is a list of 15 programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
If you are looking for free summer programs in D.C., check out our blog here.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: A 7-week internship in your local area, followed by a week-long summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None; Paid
Acceptance rate: Annually connects more than 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from nearly 100 communities
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer, varies by location
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors who reside in one of the eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program allows high school students to gain hands-on experience in leadership, public policy, and community engagement. Over seven weeks, you’ll complete an internship at a local nonprofit or charitable organization, contributing to real projects that create positive change in your community. Beyond regular work, you’ll also attend a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll take part in leadership workshops, meet policymakers and nonprofit executives, and explore how organizations work together to tackle pressing social issues.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. ED Student Volunteer Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate: Moderately selective
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are at least 16 years old
The ED Student Volunteer Internship Program offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects in research, policy, communications, and administration, helping you shape how education programs are developed and managed. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills in writing, data analysis, and project management, while receiving guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals. The program is offered during fall, winter/spring, and summer, making it flexible for students with different schedules.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4); No previous knowledge of your field of interest is required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. U.S. Department of the Treasury Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Varies by session. Exact dates TBA
Application Deadline: Varies by session. Exact dates TBA
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at an accredited high school
The Student Internship Program at the U.S. Department of the Treasury offers high school students interested in government, economics, public policy, law, or technology a chance to experience federal work. Interns are assigned to projects that may involve tax policy, economic research, cybersecurity, communications, or human resources. You’ll have tasks such as analyzing data, preparing reports, attending meetings, and assisting with background research—giving you a behind-the-scenes view of how government decisions are shaped. Along the way, you’ll get mentorship, attend career development sessions, and build skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. It’s an opportunity to create real work experience, make professional connections, and explore what a career in public service could look like.
6. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Daniel Webster Senate Page Residence, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $37,238. Since pages serve for less than a year, they do not earn an entire annual salary (payments are made monthly)
Acceptance rate: 30 page positions serve the 100 members of the United States Senate; therefore, not all senators can appoint pages
Dates: September 1 – January 23 (Fall Session), June (Summer Session), and January 25 – June 5 (Spring Session)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school junior, 16–17 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, provide health documentation, and have health insurance.
The U.S. Senate Page Program follows a work-learn-mentorship model, offering high school students a unique, hands-on experience of the Senate’s daily operations. As one of the longest-running political internship opportunities, the program lets you witness and actively contribute to the legislative process. Selected students are sponsored by a U.S. senator and live in Washington, D.C., with living expenses, rent, and laundry covered. As a page, your responsibilities include delivering correspondence and legislative materials throughout the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and assisting on the Senate floor—helping with roll-call votes, supporting senators and staff during debates, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.
7. Georgetown Lombardi- High School & Undergraduate Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Around 30 students accepted
Dates: Mid June – Mid August (8 weeks; tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: All high school students who are at least 16 years of age
The Summer Research Volunteer Program at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in cancer research. You will work full-time on a research project, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory work and scientific inquiry. Guided by experienced scientists and medical professionals, you’ll conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and learn essential research techniques. You will also attend weekly seminars and discussions led by experts that explore topics such as tumor immunology, human cancer genetics, drug development, survivorship, and health policy.
8. Girls Nation/Boys Nation
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate: Two delegates from each Boys State program are selected for Boys Nation in Washington, D.C.; Two students are chosen from each ALA Girls State program
Dates: July 18 – 25
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: All high school students who have taken part in the Girls State/Boys State program
The American Legion Girls Nation and Boys Nation programs are highly selective, week-long civic leadership experiences held in Washington, D.C. You will be chosen as one of two delegates from your state after attending your state-level Girls or Boys State program and demonstrating outstanding leadership and civic engagement. During the program, you will participate in mock Senate sessions, draft and debate bills, elect national officials, and pass legislation, gaining an in-depth understanding of the U.S. government and practical experience in leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility.
9. George Washington University’s Caminos al Futuro Program
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: July (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in December
Eligibility: Rising seniors with high academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to the Hispanic/Latino community
The Caminos al Futuro program at George Washington University offers high school students entering their senior year a chance to explore leadership, identity, and public service through a fully funded, three-week residential experience. During the program, you’ll learn about the social, economic, and political issues that affect Hispanic and Latino communities through classes, writing workshops, and leadership activities. You’ll visit Congress, meet people working in government and nonprofits, and design a community project to address real problems. Throughout the program, you’ll work on a Community Action Project that addresses challenges faced by Latino communities, building research, writing, and presentation skills. You’ll also attend college prep sessions and receive mentorship from professionals who guide you through future academic and leadership opportunities.
10. Howard University-Pharm STEP 1 program
Location: College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: Typically opens in Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students from underrepresented groups will be given priority
The program is designed for high school students interested in pharmacy and other health professions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking hands-on experience. You will attend lectures in subjects such as biology, chemistry, medical terminology, and career exploration, while also gaining practical experience at clinical hospital sites. With small cohorts of just 20 students per year and an application process that includes an interview, the program is selective and offers a highly personalized learning environment.
11. Catholic University of America—Experiences in Architecture (EiA)
Location: CUA’s campus in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $1,540 and Room & Board (for residential) $1,300
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: July 17 – 18
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students (rising 10th, 11th, 12th and incoming freshmen) interested in architecture or design-related fields
The Experiences in Architecture (EiA) Pre-College Program at The Catholic University of America offers high school students a chance to explore architecture and design through hands-on learning. You will work on studio projects that include drawing, model-building, and design exercises while learning core architectural concepts and spatial thinking. You’ll visit architectural firms, museums, and historic landmarks across Washington, D.C., using the city as your extended classroom to see how design interacts with culture and community. Along the way, you’ll also receive guidance from university faculty and practicing architects, attend workshops, and gain insights into college-level architecture study.
12. Catholic University of America-Engineering New Frontiers program
Location: Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Cost: $1,800
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their junior or senior year
The Engineering New Frontiers program is a week-long residential summer program designed for high school students interested in engineering. You will explore a wide range of disciplines, from biomedical to electrical engineering, through hands-on laboratory exercises, engineering design workshops, coding bootcamps, and prototyping projects. Guided by experienced faculty from The Catholic University of America, you will gain practical skills, apply engineering concepts to real-world problems, and develop your creativity and technical expertise.
13. The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) Summer Institute
Location: SEGL, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $17,990, $315 Textbooks and Travel fee; More information here
Acceptance rate: Selective; 25 students in each DC cohort
Dates: June 28 – August 9
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors
The School for Ethics & Global Leadership (SEGL) Summer Institute in Washington, D.C., gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore ethics, leadership, and public policy through a six-week residential experience in the heart of the nation’s capital. You’ll study real-world issues in small, discussion-based classes, visit government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs, and meet leaders shaping national and global decisions. Throughout the program, you’ll complete major projects including crafting your own ethical credo, developing a policy paper, and designing a social venture plan while living steps away from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court.
14. Catholic University of America-Computational Biosciences Institute
Location: Catholic University of America
Cost: $2,250
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: July 7 – 16
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their junior or senior year
The Computational Biosciences Institute at The Catholic University of America offers a 10-day residential summer program for high school students entering their junior or senior year. You will engage in intensive computer science coding and programming using real biomedical imaging and other scientific datasets through MATLAB. Throughout the program, you will also gain hands-on experience at the intersection of computer science and biomedical research.
15. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / Approximately 80 students
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school female students and others of all minority genders in grades 9–11 | Preference will be given to rising seniors and students from under-resourced backgrounds
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a highly selective virtual summer program for high school students, especially girls and students from underrepresented backgrounds, who are interested in physics. Over the three-week program, you will take part in interactive learning experiences covering topics such as quantum physics, astrophysics, quantum computing, and cosmology. You will also gain hands-on coding experience using Python to explore physics projects and participate in small-group collaborative exercises led by Stanford undergraduates. Beyond academics, the program offers mentorship with Stanford students and faculty, career development sessions, and workshops on college planning.
Image Source - George Washington University Logo