7 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
If you’re a high school student looking for opportunities to explore your interests, gain hands-on experience, and make the most of your summer, this list is for you! Below are 10 of the best free programs in Washington, D.C., across diverse fields such as research, business, technology, and leadership. These programs are tailored to offer you practical learning experiences, often with mentorship, projects, and skill-building workshops.
Summer programs can give you hands-on experience in your subjects of interest. This application-oriented learning is crucial for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge. Participating in summer programs, especially selective or specialized ones, can also enhance your college application. Experiences in research, interning, or founding a business show initiative and commitment, setting you apart from other applicants. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Here’s our list of 7 free summer programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.
Cost: The program is fully funded!
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Vary based on yearly cohort. Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility:
You must be currently enrolled in high school or plan to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall.
Students must 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 Inclusion Foundation stands as a non-profit research program tailored for gifted students from low-income backgrounds. Stemming from the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, renowned for its extensive one-on-one research opportunities for high school students, the foundation provides the same access to independent research experiences at zero cost.
The Lumiere Breakthrough Scholar Program is the equivalent of the Individual Research Scholar Program at Lumiere Education. In the flagship program, talented high-school students are paired with world-class Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll develop an independent research paper. You can choose topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can apply here!
Location: Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Program Dates: June – August
The Smithsonian Youth Programs offers a range of free summer programs for high school students, including internships in areas such as history, science, and the arts. You can gain hands-on experience working with Smithsonian experts, and many programs include workshops, field trips, camps, and networking opportunities. For example, the Youth Engagement through Science is a career exploration program for students in grades 9-11. You will conduct a research internship with a mentor at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and receive a stipend of $2,500 upon successful completion.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290–$9,400; financial aid available
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Application Deadline: Winter deadline: December 1
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts are available
Veritas AI offers high school students an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of artificial intelligence. In the program, you can work on hands-on AI projects under the mentorship of experts from top universities like Harvard and MIT. You will be exposed to the latest developments in AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks, and you will build your own AI models. The program offers multiple editions like AI Scholars, AI Fellowship, Deep Dives (AI + Medicine, AI + Finance), and AI Trailblazers. The program includes interactive lectures, coding sessions, and mentorship. You will complete a tangible AI project that you can showcase in your college applications.
Location: Various locations in Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: June 14
Program Dates: Spring Semester Program: February 3 – May 31
The High School Internship Program equips District youth ages 14 to 21 with essential work-readiness skills, project-based learning experiences, life skills, and leadership development training. The program aims to prepare you for a successful transition from high school to postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment, or a career in the military. This is a paid internship program that allows you to explore a range of industries.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: No cost, participants will receive a stipend once they complete the program
Eligibility: High school students
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 29 – July 18
The Georgetown University Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) is a three-week college preparatory program for rising high school seniors from the Cristo Rey Network, KIPP Foundation school systems, and other select educational institutions and community organizations. As a participant, you'll connect with peers from across the nation on Georgetown's campus, participating in class sessions, field trips, group discussions, seminars, and workshops. You'll take part in the Georgetown Experience Seminars, delving into topics such as international relations, business, cybersecurity, government, STEM, liberal arts, and health studies.
Location: Bethesda, MD (near Washington, D.C.)
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students should live in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
The HiSTEP program is held on the NIH main campus in Bethesda. This program is designed for rising 12th graders from schools where 30% or more of students participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. HiSTEP participants explore research and healthcare careers through lectures, visits to research groups, networking events, small group discussions, and collaborative projects. You will also receive support in the college application process, develop career readiness and leadership skills, and engage in a resilience and well-being program. You will be required to commit at least 21 hours per week to your projects and training.
Location: Capitol Campus, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free (housing provided) with a stipend of $65 a day and up to 20 hours of community service
Eligibility: High school juniors aged at least 14 but not 17
Application Deadline: Applications opened on November 1
Program Dates: January 8 – March 4
The US House Page program is a prestigious program that allows high school juniors to serve as pages in the U.S. Senate, assisting senators with legislative duties and learning about the legislative process. It’s a unique opportunity for students interested in politics and public service. You will work for 40 hours per week conducting tasks like making deliveries, supporting member offices, and serving on the chamber floor. You will also attend ‘Page School,’ where you’ll attend classes on the legislative process.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.