15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C
If you’re a high school student, participating in a summer program is a solid way to explore your interests before college. They often offer exposure to various subjects like finance, STEM, research, or even public policy through guided sessions, projects, and discussions. Many summer programs for high school students are hosted by established universities and organizations, giving you access to academic environments and professional perspectives at an early stage. Washington, D.C., in particular, offers a wide range of options, with programs hosted by universities, federal agencies, nonprofits, and cultural institutions spanning fields from medicine and engineering to journalism, international affairs, and the arts.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
Why should you do a summer program in high school?
Participating in a summer program allows you to explore subjects of interest before starting your undergraduate study. These programs often include structured sessions, project-based work, and discussions that show how academic concepts are applied in different fields. You will also interact with instructors, mentors, or professionals who provide valuable insight into academic pathways and career areas. Additionally, taking part in a structured program reflects consistent engagement with a subject and can strengthen your college applications.
To make your search easier, here is a list of 15 summer programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
Quick Look
15 programs total spanning biomedical research, federal government internships, international affairs, engineering, nursing, drama, and creative writing, hosted at institutions including Georgetown, American University, GWU, Howard, and Catholic University
Several programs are completely free, including the Smithsonian NMNH internship (which also pays a $5,600 stipend), the U.S. Treasury internship, Howard's Pharm STEP 1, GWU's Caminos al Futuro, and the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
Paid residential and tuition-based programs range from $1,800 (Catholic University's Engineering New Frontiers) to $18,990 (SEGL's Summer Institute), with several offering need-based financial aid or scholarships
Most in-person programs require D.C., Maryland, or Virginia residency, or at least the ability to commute; Lumiere and Ladder Internships are the only two fully remote options open to students nationwide
The earliest deadlines are American University's Community of Scholars (January 26 priority) and Georgetown's Summer Research Volunteer Program (opens February 1)
1. Georgetown University’s Summer Research Volunteer Program
Location: Georgetown University – Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Eligibility: High school students (16+); AP science is strongly encouraged
Georgetown’s Summer Research Volunteer Program introduces you to the biomedical and cancer research environments at Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. As a participant, you will observe how cancer biology research is conducted in laboratory settings and clinical research teams. You will also get to spend time in lab spaces where scientists study areas such as cancer development, genetics, and treatment pathways. The program includes exposure to ongoing research activities where experiments and data analysis are part of daily work. It also includes seminars and discussions that explain how scientific questions are developed and investigated in biomedical research.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid is available); No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; Around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a virtual internship program for high school students that places you with early-stage startup companies across a range of industries. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll work with a designated company coach on a defined project, meeting regularly to receive guidance and refine your deliverables. Project areas span fields including machine learning and AI, software engineering, finance, health tech, environmental science, consulting, and media. You will be matched with a company and project based on your stated interests and will have input in confirming the final placement before the program begins. At the conclusion of the internship, you will receive a letter of completion from the host company.
3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: High School Internship Program
Location: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free; $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 16 – March 20
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18) located within the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area; Must be within commuting distance of the National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s (NMNH) Summer High School Internship Program for high school students focuses on museum work across both science and non-science departments. You will be placed with a supervisor in a specific department and work on an assigned project in areas spanning various departments throughout the museum. Your responsibilities may involve tasks related to natural history research, collections, or public engagement. On enrichment days, you will get to participate in field trips and behind-the-scenes tours of the museum's facilities and collections.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3/4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual mentorship and research program for high school students that centers on the development of an original academic paper in a specific subject area. As a participant, you will be paired one-on-one with a Ph.D.-level mentor from a top university, and together you’ll define a research topic and question during the first weeks of the program. Over the following weeks, you can explore existing literature in your chosen area and develop a structured research paper with ongoing guidance from your mentor. Subject areas include biology, neuroscience, computer science, astrophysics, chemistry, economics, business, philosophy, international relations, history, law, and more. The program runs for twelve weeks, with the first month dedicated to topic exploration and question formation, and the remaining weeks focused on drafting, revising, and finalizing the paper.
5. U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer: May – August
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Summer: Typically opens in December
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution throughout the duration of the internship
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program places you within the Departmental Offices of a federal cabinet-level agency. You will be assigned to one of several offices organized around the Treasury's core functions, which include domestic finance, tax policy, economic policy, international affairs, terrorism and financial intelligence, and internal management. Depending on your placement, you will collect and analyze data in support of policy priorities, research and summarize academic literature relevant to Treasury's mission areas, and draft briefing materials and reports for agency leadership. You may also attend congressional hearings and interagency meetings, interact with colleagues across U.S. government agencies, and contribute to management functions such as budget formulation, strategic planning, and information technology initiatives.
6. The School for Ethics and Global Leadership: Summer Institute in Washington, D.C.
Location: SEGL, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $18,990 + additional fees (need-based financial assistance available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 students per cohort
Dates: June 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Summer Institute in Washington is a six-week residential program run by the School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) that focuses on ethics, leadership, and public policy. As part of the program, you will complete SEGL's Ethics and Leadership curriculum, which concludes in three capstone projects: a personal ethical credo, a collaborative policy document, and a business plan for a social venture. During the program, you will develop skills in public speaking, political communication, and collaborative problem-solving through coursework and direct engagement with policymakers, diplomats, and other professionals in Washington, D.C. Site visits to government agencies and institutions are integrated into the academic schedule. You may present work at venues such as the State Department or attend sessions with guest speakers drawn from public life.
7. American University’s Community of Scholars Program
Location: American University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Varies by format; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 12-18 students per class
Dates: 2-3 weeks in July (tentative)
Application Deadline: January 26 (priority); March 16 (regular); May 18 (final)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; International students with a demonstrated proficiency in English
The Community of Scholars offered by American University's School of International Service (SIS) focuses on international affairs, U.S. foreign policy, and global politics. You will enroll in a three-credit college-level course taught by SIS faculty, with coursework covering topics such as diplomacy, security, conflict, and cross-cultural communication. The first two weeks take place on American University's campus in Washington, D.C., followed by afternoon visits to government agencies, embassies, and international organizations, including the State Department. You will also attend skills-building workshops and panels featuring guest speakers drawn from diplomacy and the U.S. government. The third week shifts to online, asynchronous instruction, during which you’ll complete a final paper or project in consultation with your professor.
8. Catholic University of America: Engineering New Frontiers Program
Location: Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $1,800 (Early Bird: $1,710); Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (16+)
The Engineering New Frontiers Institute is a residential pre-college program offered by the Catholic University of America's College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing. The program introduces you to each of the major engineering disciplines, including biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science, through a structured combination of laboratory exercises, engineering design workshops, coding sessions, and prototyping work. You will work in university facilities under the instruction of CUA engineering faculty and work on projects across multiple technical areas during the week. The program also includes cultural and technical excursions in the Washington, D.C. area that complement the academic curriculum.
9. George Washington University: Caminos al Futuro Program
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: Limited cohort size
Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors under 18 residing in the United States (regardless of citizenship status)
Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, residential pre-college program hosted by the George Washington University's Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. It is focused on the social, economic, and political transformations affecting the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States. As a participant, you will take part in an undergraduate-level academic lecture series covering Latino political and social history, scholarly readings, interactive lectures, and data analysis related to Latino communities. Alongside the lecture series, you will attend a writing lab where you’ll develop a Community Action Project that addresses an issue relevant to your home community; you will present this project at the end of the three weeks. You will also get to attend a College Prep Academy component consisting of workshops led by GW admissions specialists. It will cover topics such as the college application process, financial aid, and navigating higher education as a first-generation student. The program also includes site visits to Congress, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C.
10. Howard University: Pharm STEP 1
Location: Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 15 – 26
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA; Must have a high aptitude for science and math and an interest in pharmacy as a career
Pharm STEP 1 is a summer program offered by the Howard University College of Pharmacy for students with an interest in pharmacy and the health professions. The program aims to strengthen the training of underrepresented minority students in health profession fields. During the two weeks, you will take courses in subject areas including medical terminology and pharmacology calculations, all taught by the College of Pharmacy faculty. The curriculum is structured to introduce you to the academic content and rigor associated with pharmacy education at the college level.
11. Summer High School Drama Institute
Location: Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $4,750 (limited partial scholarships offered); Unpaid
Cohort size: 24 students
Dates: July 13 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply as early as possible)
Eligibility: High school students (16+) for the residential program and (15+) for the commuter program
The Summer High School Drama Institute is a residential performing arts program offered by the Department of Drama at the Catholic University of America, focused on intensive training in acting, voice, and movement. You can select one of two tracks upon enrolling: Musical Theatre or Drama, and attend daily classes and rehearsals taught by faculty from CUA's professional theatre program. Coursework spans acting technique, vocal development, and physical movement, with an additional focus on preparing audition monologues throughout the three weeks. The program concludes in a showcase performance in which students present a selection of pieces on the final evening.
12. Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP)
Location: Multiple locations across Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies based on specific opportunity
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: Youth aged 14-24 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with proof of residence in Washington, D.C.; Must submit proof of SNN or Proof of Parent/Guardian Consent
The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) is a locally funded summer work program administered by the District of Columbia's Department of Employment Services. The program gives you the opportunity to work in subsidized job placements across the private and government sectors. You will be placed with a host employer who provides a structured work experience in a professional setting, giving you direct exposure to a career industry and the opportunity to interact with working professionals.
13. Conway School of Nursing: The Summer Nursing Institute
Location: The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Tuition: $750, room & board: $550; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 17; July 19 – 24
Application Deadline: Varies based on specific opportunity
Eligibility: High school students (16+) for the residential program and (15+) for the commuter program
The Summer Nursing Institute is a one-week pre-college program offered by the Conway School of Nursing at the Catholic University of America, designed to introduce you to the core principles of nursing practice and the nursing profession. The program is led by nursing faculty and nursing students, providing both faculty-guided instruction and peer-level mentorship throughout the week. You will practice selected technical nursing skills in the school's skills lab and simulation center, with CPR certification included as part of the curriculum. The program integrates professional and ethical frameworks alongside technical training, with a focus on human dignity as a lens for understanding nursing's role in patient care.
14. Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Early bird: $2,400, Regular: $2,600 (need-based scholarship assistance offered); Unpaid
Cohort size: Limited cohort size
Dates: July 23 – 30
Application Deadline: May 30 (early bird)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18
PALS (Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit) at Georgetown University is a residential program run by the National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE) that focuses on civic leadership, public speaking, and community advocacy. As a participant, you will attend interactive workshops organized around five curriculum areas: leadership and personal growth, civic engagement and policy, college preparedness and life skills, debate and critical thinking, and community-based leadership. Sessions are led by professors, alumni, and community professionals and cover topics such as public speaking, ethical decision-making, understanding government and public policy, media literacy, and community organizing. As part of the program, you will complete a service project, choosing from formats that include producing a public service announcement on a social issue, conducting a community needs assessment, or developing a school policy improvement proposal.
15. Georgetown University: Creative Writing Academy
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $3,725, Commuter: $3,095, Non-Refundable Application Fee: $50 (Scholarships offered); Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Current 8th-12th graders
The Creative Writing Academy, offered by Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies, focuses on creative writing across multiple genres, including poetry, fiction, and personal prose. You will attend daily lectures on literary technique covering topics such as story structure, character development, theme, description, and dialogue and participate in workshop sessions led by graduate student instructors where you’ll generate and revise original work. The program incorporates peer critique as a structured component, giving you practice in both receiving and providing feedback on written work. You will also attend readings by published authors who lead interactive class sessions and read excerpts from award-winning works as models for developing your own writing. The curriculum addresses the publishing and professionalization side of creative writing, including available markets, undergraduate and graduate programs in the field, and how to approach the submission process.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. Do I need to live in the D.C. area to take part in these programs?
Most in-person programs do require you to live in or near D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, or to be able to travel there for the program's duration, since many include site visits to government agencies, embassies, or museums as part of the experience. A few programs are open more broadly regardless of where you live, including GWU's Caminos al Futuro (open to U.S. residents nationwide) and the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (D.C. residency required, but the only true exception is the two fully remote programs on this list). If you can't travel to D.C., Lumiere's Research Scholar Program and Ladder Internships are both entirely virtual and open to students anywhere.
2. Some of these programs are free, while others cost thousands of dollars. Should I rule out the paid options if I'm on a budget?
Not necessarily, since most of the paid programs on this list offer need-based financial aid or scholarships that can significantly reduce the actual cost. Programs like SEGL's Summer Institute and Georgetown's Creative Writing Academy specifically mention financial assistance is available, so it's worth applying and requesting aid information rather than ruling a program out based on the sticker price alone. If cost is still a major concern, the free programs on this list, including the Smithsonian internship, Treasury internship, and Pharm STEP 1, are equally strong and academically rigorous options.
3. How do I decide between a research-focused program and a more general enrichment or leadership program?
It comes down to what kind of experience you want to walk away with. Research-focused programs like Georgetown's Summer Research Volunteer Program, the Smithsonian internship, and Lumiere are best if you want hands-on exposure to a specific field and a tangible research output to discuss in college applications. Leadership and enrichment programs like SEGL, PALS, and American University's Community of Scholars are better suited if you want to build skills in public speaking, policy analysis, and civic engagement, often through coursework, workshops, and real site visits rather than a single research project. Many students benefit from trying one of each type across their high school summers to build a well-rounded profile.