15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
If you’re a high school student looking to explore new interests or strengthen your academic skills, summer programs are a great way to do that in a focused and exciting environment. These programs give you the chance to dive into subjects of your interest, helping you develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and work on projects of interest, with mentorship from industry experts. These programs help you build your profile and prepare you for future opportunities.
Washington, D.C., is a standout location for summer programs because of its unique mix of universities, museums, government institutions, and cultural organizations. Programs here often take full advantage of the city, from attending a mock Senate debate to touring a national museum with a curator. If you’re a student living in or near D.C., it’s a convenient way to tap into these experiences.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 standout summer programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC
Cost: No cost. Paid 8-week internship (pay details vary by location); all expenses paid for the Summit week
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentatively)
Dates: Internship approximately 8 weeks starting shortly after school year ends; Summit July 21 – 26 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S., in good standing, residing in eligible locations, not previously selected in this program, and not Bank of America employees or immediate family members
The Bank of America Student Leaders program offers an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit, where you’ll work around 35 hours a week. It emphasizes community involvement, leadership growth, and real-world experience in the nonprofit sector. As part of the program, you’ll also attend a fully funded, week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll connect with students from across the country and learn more about civic engagement and social impact. Attending the summit is a key part of the experience and is required to complete the program.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
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, created and managed by Harvard graduate students, offers learning opportunities for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. If you are beginning your journey in AI, machine learning, or data science, consider the AI Scholars program. This 10‑session boot camp introduces you to core concepts in AI and data science and includes hands-on experience through real‑world projects. For students with prior experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase provides the chance to work one‑on‑one with mentors from leading universities on an original research project. You can also collaborate with an in‑house publication team to prepare your work for potential inclusion in high school research journals. You can view selected examples of previous student projects here.
3. Georgetown Lombardi High School & Undergraduate Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: Summer session; typical program duration is June through August
Eligibility: Open to high school and undergraduate students interested in biomedical research. Applicants should demonstrate an enthusiasm for science and commitment to learning and service
The program offers high school and college students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in scientific research, focusing on cancer biology at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. You will work alongside scientists and researchers, gaining exposure to lab techniques, data analysis, and the processes behind scientific discovery. The volunteer role helps you understand laboratory research, the biology of cancer, and the translational aspects of science. You also benefit from mentorship by faculty and interaction with peers interested in biomedical fields. The experience is valuable for high schoolers considering careers in medicine, research, or related STEM fields, providing practical skills and networking opportunities in an academic cancer research environment.
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
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week research opportunity designed for high school students interested in exploring a specific academic subject in more depth. In the program, you’re matched with a Ph.D. mentor who guides you through the process of developing an independent research project. You’ll meet regularly with your mentor and work toward producing a research paper by the end of the program. You can choose from a range of subjects, including psychology, computer science, international relations, physics, economics, and others. The program is structured to help you better understand how academic research works and to give you experience thinking critically and writing in an academic format. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Howard University High School Summer Enrichment Program
Location: Howard University School of Business, Washington, DC
Cost: No cost
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentatively)
Dates: July 13 – 18 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students entering 10th or 11th grade
In this summer program, you can register for one of four tracks: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, or Entrepreneurship. In each track, you gain exposure to important business topics and analysis methods taught by Howard University School of Business professors and professionals. You work in groups to create a business or product that solves a real-world problem in your respective field. The program emphasizes problem-solving, analytical ability, attention to detail, time management, and communication skills. The program supports the development of finance skills, computer skills, strategic thinking, project management, and interpersonal communication.
6. Caminos al Futuro — George Washington University
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC
Cost: Fully funded; no tuition or fees
Application Deadline: TBA. Applications for summer will open on December 8
Dates: July (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in U.S. schools with strong academics and leadership within the Latino/Hispanic community
This is an intensive, three-week residential program on the GW campus. Throughout the program, you will explore social, economic, and political changes impacting the Latino/Hispanic community through lectures and discussions led by university professors and experts. You will complete community action projects designed to apply what you learn in a practical way. In addition, the program includes visits to government institutions and nonprofits in Washington, D.C., giving you firsthand experience with policymaking and leadership in action. You will also join workshops that prepare you for the college application process, develop your critical thinking, and enhance your leadership skills with a focus on Latino cultural competence. Completing this program can earn you three college credits and may increase your chances of being considered for the Cisneros Scholars program upon admission to GW.
7. Engineering Awareness & STEM Enrichment Summer Workshop — UDC
Location: University of the District of Columbia, Van Ness Campus, Washington, DC
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – July 3 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students interested in engineering and STEM fields
You will engage in a hands-on, in-person workshop designed to introduce you to key engineering concepts and STEM applications. The program includes activities such as advanced manufacturing design, building a 3D car vehicle, clean energy projects, and charging fuel cell experiments. As part of the experience, you will create a poster presentation summarizing your work, competing for a prize. It is scheduled over two weeks, providing focused time to explore engineering challenges while acclimating to a college campus environment. You’ll get guidance from faculty mentors and work with other students, which helps you build new skills and grow throughout the program.
8. Georgetown University Summer Hoya Sessions
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Cost: $2,207 estimated per credit
Application Deadline: TBA. Applications open in the fall
Dates: Most likely from June – August. Dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
You select from credit and non-credit courses across subject areas from medicine to law and international affairs. Academic sessions are taught by Georgetown faculty and often involve small class sizes with plenty of contact hours. You have the opportunity to earn college credit and access campus resources. Interactive projects, case discussions, and networking events are incorporated. You meet students from diverse backgrounds and experience daily college student routines.
9. American University NSLC Summer Programs
Location: American University, Washington, DC
Cost: $4,195–$4,395 Residential tuition depending on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early for best chances)
Dates: June 12 – 20 and June 24 – July 2 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
You participate in immersive, residential programs with a choice of tracks including Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Journalism, Medicine & Health Care, and Psychology & Neuroscience. Each program combines classroom learning with practical experiences and field trips to leading institutions such as the FDA, NIH, FBI, National Press Club, and medical centers. The program focuses on strong academics, chances to connect with industry leaders, and exposure to careers in fields like science, healthcare, journalism, and other areas you might be interested in. Daily schedules include academic sessions, tours of D.C. landmarks, and social events to foster teamwork skills.
10. George Washington University Pre-College Program
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC
Cost: Residential Students: $4,850; Commuter Students: $4,250
Application Deadline: May 15 (tentatively)
Dates: June 22 – July 4; July 6 – 18 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school
You spend two weeks attending classes and hands-on lectures led by GWU professors. The curriculum spans multiple fields, including medicine, psychology, national security, federal law, cognitive neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and foreign policy. You’ll be exposed to real college coursework without academic credit. Outside academics, excursions across D.C. are part of the schedule. Programs emphasize developing subject knowledge and understanding of campus life, with daily support from instructors and staff. Group work is often featured throughout each immersion session. You commit to full days across the two weeks, with various extracurricular options available.
11. Engineering New Frontiers Summer Program — Catholic University
Location: Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Cost: $1,800 (limited scholarships available)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – 25 (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students entering junior or senior year
You will participate in a weeklong, residential academic program covering a variety of engineering disciplines, including biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science. The program combines modern laboratory exercises, engineering design workshops, coding bootcamps, and prototyping activities taught by expert faculty. Besides academic work, you also experience cultural, entertainment, and technical events in the DC area. This program gives you a chance to explore engineering by learning key concepts and trying out hands-on projects, all while living on campus and getting a full summer experience.
12. National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security, Diplomacy, Intelligence & Defense
Location: Washington, D.C. area (hosted at a university campus)
Cost: $4,527
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: June 26 – July 3; July 5 – 12
Eligibility: High school students
You will spend eight impactful days in Washington, D.C., exploring careers in cybersecurity, defense, diplomacy, intelligence, and national security. The program includes site visits to key government and defense locations such as the Pentagon, U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Naval Academy. You’ll participate in lectures and hands-on simulations designed to challenge your problem-solving and leadership skills. The experience connects you with national security professionals who share insights into real-world strategies and issues. College credit through George Mason University may be available upon completion.
13. Summer Institute: Washington — School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL)
Location: SEGL residence in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Not specified (check the site for tuition and scholarship details)
Application Deadline: Not explicitly stated
Dates: June 28 – August 9 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from across the U.S.
You will spend six weeks living and learning in the heart of Washington, DC, studying SEGL’s Ethics and Leadership curriculum designed to deepen ethical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills. During the program, you complete three capstone projects : a personal ethical Credo, a collaborative policy document, and a social venture business plan , which can strengthen your college applications. Your days include classes, discussions, and visits to iconic DC sites, such as presenting a policy memo at the State Department and engaging with guest speakers, sometimes including former presidents.
14. Pharm STEP 1 — Howard University College of Pharmacy
Location: Online (not residential; no housing, meals, or transportation provided)
Cost: Not specified; check the application details for any fee information
Application Deadline: Spring (exact date not specified)
Dates: June 15 – 26 (no program on June 19)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, rising juniors or seniors, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, strong interest in science and math, and interest in pharmacy as a profession
This two-week online summer program offers an opportunity for high school students to challenge themselves academically in areas like medical terminology and pharmacology calculations. You will interact with award-winning professors, gaining valuable insights into the pharmacy field and college-level sciences. The program emphasizes academic rigor, particularly in science and math, and provides exposure to future career paths. It aims to inspire students with an interest in health sciences and pharmacy, while developing essential academic skills needed for college success.
15. American University High School Summer Scholars Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,004 per course
Application Deadline: Rolling (March 16 for regular consideration, tentatively)
Dates: June 16 – July 11; June 23 – July 18 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
You’ll take a one-credit college course online at your own pace over four weeks. The course covers diverse topics like international diplomacy, law, psychology, and neuroscience. Since it’s asynchronous, you get the flexibility to fit your coursework around your schedule using Canvas, with content like pre-recorded lectures, podcasts, and discussions. Though the pacing is flexible, you should expect to spend about 5–10 hours per week completing readings, assignments, and participating in faculty-led discussion boards. Your instructors are available through email and Zoom or Skype during office hours to support your learning.
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