21 Summer Programs in D.C. for High Schoolers in 2025
What’s Covered:
Summer is possibly every student’s favorite season—the weather is warm, and students have more unstructured time to pursue the activities they love. While many high-achieving students will spend their summers working part-time jobs, volunteering, or interning, another great opportunity that’s available to high schoolers (and can help them prepare for college) is summer programs.
21 Summer Programs in D.C. for High Schoolers
1. Howard University School of Business | High School Summer Enrichment Program
Dates: July 13 – 18
Location: Howard University
Application deadline: April 1
Cost: N/A
Perfect for high-achieving students interested in business or a related field, this selective program gives students the opportunity to push themselves academically. The program combines classroom learning from the School of Business faculty, company site visits, and group presentations to prepare students with the practical skills and critical thinking abilities needed to benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors.
Each student in the Summer Enrichment Program will gain access to leadership, team building, college, and cultural enrichment activities. In addition, each will register for one of the four distinctive tracks: Accounting, Information Systems, Actuarial Science, and Entrepreneurship. In each track, students will gain valuable exposure to important business topics and methods of analysis from Howard University School of Business professors and professionals in the field. Students will be placed in groups throughout the program to create a business and/or product that solves a problem in their respective fields.
2. Community of Scholars Program at AU’s School of International Service
Dates:
- On-campus: July 7 – 18 (students arrive July 6)
- Online: July 21 – 25
Location: American University
Application deadline:
- Priority consideration: January 26, 2025
- Regular deadline: March 16, 2025
- Final deadline: May 18, 2025
Cost: $6,236 (for residential students, including a $300 non-refundable deposit); $4,886 (for commuter students, including a $300 non-refundable deposit)
This three-week hybrid program has high school students living and learning in a traditional college environment for two weeks, followed by a week of online instruction and working on a final paper or project. Throughout the program, participants are introduced to global affairs and participate in exciting discussions on diverse topics within the field. By the end of the program, participants will have earned an American University (AU) transcript, and the credits may be transferred to other schools or used to further an education at AU.
3. National Student Leadership Conference | American University Programs
Dates: Throughout June and July
Location: American University
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $4,195 to $4,395
Five different 9 day programs are hosted by the National Student Leadership Conference at American University. This summer, in DC, you could study biotechnology, forensic science, journalism, medicine and health care, or psychology and neuroscience, all in an immersive setting featuring hands-on experience, guest speakers, and trips and tours of related sites around DC.
4. National Student Leadership Conference | Georgetown University Programs
Dates: Throughout June and July
Location: Georgetown University
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $3,195 to $4,395
If the American University programs aren’t your speed, the National Leadership Conference’s Georgetown offerings might be. The six options are architecture, intelligence and national security, international diplomacy, law and advocacy, leadership and service, and political action and public policy. Each of these programs includes experiential, hands-on learning opportunities, trips and tours around the D.C. area, and expert guest speakers.
5. AU High School Summer Scholars
Dates:
- Session 1: June 16 – July 11
- Session 2: June 23 – July 18
Location: American University (remote)
Application deadline: May 18 (final deadline)
Cost: $1,004
Ambitious high school students can earn one college credit through this unique summer program. Students can register for self-paced online courses ranging from global public health and law to biotechnology and public speaking. Students have four weeks to complete their coursework, which makes it easy to squeeze them in among other summer commitments. AU faculty are involved and accessible to students during the course via Canvas or office hours conducted via Zoom or Skype.
6. iD Tech Coding Camps & STEM Programs | American University
Dates: Sessions run from June 23 – August 8
Location: American University
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,149 – $1,499
Get a taste of collegiate life this summer at American University! These programs through iD Tech balance skill development in STEM disciplines and summer fun, allowing kids and teens to experience a week at one of the most innovative universities in the US. Students will work alongside new friends and learn from expert tech mentors – in coding, game dev, robotics, 3D printing, and more – while taking breaks in between to enjoy American’s outdoor playing fields for ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, kickball, board games, and other activities!
7. High School Drama Institute
Dates: July 7 – 25
Location: The Catholic University of America
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $3,900
High school students with a passion for the performing arts will want to check out this intensive three-week program. Participants develop acting skills focusing on voice, movement, and gesture, strengthen their dancing and singing skills, and learn what it takes to prepare for college auditions. They can choose from one of two majors: Drama and Musical Theatre. This program is super-selective, and a limited number of students are chosen to participate.
The program will enroll no more than 24 students, so early submission of application materials increases the likelihood of acceptance.
8. Engineering New Frontiers
Dates: July 21 – 25
Location: The Catholic University of America
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $1,800
This week-long residential summer camp gives students the opportunity to work closely with engineering faculty members to explore a variety of engineering disciplines (biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science). Students participate in labs, engineering design workshops, coding boot camps, and prototype work led by expert faculty. Living on campus, students also get a taste of college life along with the best that D.C. has to offer, including cultural, recreational, and technical experiences.
The program will enroll no more than 24 students, so early submission of application materials increases the likelihood of acceptance.
9. Computational Biosciences Institute
Dates: July 7 – 16
Location: Catholic University of America
Application deadline: N/A
Cost: $2,250
Students interested in computer science and biomedical engineering will want to check out this 10-day residential graded summer course—it’s the equivalent of a first-year computer science class. Participants in the program receive intensive instruction in computer science coding and programming with real biomedical imaging and other datasets. Outside of the computer lab and classroom, students will have access to Catholic University’s athletics facilities and a variety of team events are scheduled.
10. Conway School of Nursing
Dates: July 14 – 18
Location: The Catholic University of America
Application deadline: April 15
Cost: $575 (including a $25 application fee)
This one week program hopes to introduce students to careers in nursing. Taught by Catholic University nursing faculty and aided by upper-class nursing students, participants will learn about the ethics and moral values guiding the work. As a bonus, students will graduate with a CPR certification. For 2025, the camp is non-residential and students must commute to and from the camp daily.
11. Experiences in Architecture
Dates: July 7 – 18
Location: The Catholic University of America
Application deadline: May 31, 2025
Cost: $1,450 (commuter) or $2,750 (residential)
This workshop is perfect for high school students in architecture and design. The two-week program promises to prepare students for a career in architecture and the study of the discipline at the college level while introducing them to life on a college campus.
12. High School Model United Nations (MUN) Institute
Dates:
- Overnight Session 1: June 22 – 28
- Overnight Session 2: June 29 – July 3
- Overnight Session 3: July 6 – July 12
- Day Camp Session 1: June 23 – 27
- Day Camp Session 2: June 30 – July 3
- Day Camp Session 3: July 7 – 11
Location: Georgetown University
Application deadline: April 15
Cost: Overnight camp starts at $3,049; Day camp starts at $1,699
The MUN Institute Summer Camp allows future leaders to build their skills in debating and effective communication in a hands-on setting. The programs are led by experienced Model UN pros and campers learn how to navigate impactful discussions of global issues. Additionally, campers have the opportunity to balance their time spent developing their skills with campus tours, trivia, social events, and summer fun.
13. Immerse into ASL
Dates: June 22 – 29
Location: Gallaudet University
Deadline: May 1
Cost: $1,250
This program is designed for students who are either beginning or intermediate signers and want to become more fluent (hearing students must be at the intermediate level or above). Participants will work with advanced ASL peers and counselors who are similarly deaf or hard of hearing, learn about deaf culture and history, and explore the nation’s capital. Students may participate in a residential or day camp program.
14. The George Washington University | Pre-College Program 2025
Dates:
- Session 1: June 22 – July 4
- Session 2: July 6 – July 18
Location: The George Washington University
Application deadline: May 1 (for both sessions)
Cost: $4,250 (commuter) or $4,850 (residential)
These two week courses are full day programs for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in collaborative learning, lectures from GW’s esteemed faculty, experiential learning activities, and trips and tours around the D.C. area. There are eight different course offerings, with such varied options as Medicine, Social Psychology, Cybersecurity, U.S. Law. Courses include meals and recreational activities on weekends.
15. Global Scholar Summer Program
Dates:
- Session 1: June 28 – July 6
- Session 2: July 12 – July 20
- Session 3: July 6 – July 11
- Session 4: July 6 – July 11
Location: Georgetown University
Application deadline: Rolling
Cost: Ranges from $1,635 – $2,600 across sessions and application dates.
This program is perfect for young leaders seeking to learn about current events and global issues. Through meetings with experts, workshops, and experiential activities with peers, students will develop academic and career skills.
16. Smithsonian Institute Youth Teaching Assistants
Dates: June through August
Location: Smithsonian Institute
Application deadline: April 21
Cost: Free
Teenagers interested in art, science, history, and collections may enjoy teaching these subjects to children at the Smithsonian Institute. Teaching assistants will help with field trips, activities, and serve as role models for younger kids.
17. Peace Ambassador Leadership Academy
Dates: July 26 – August 2
Location: Georgetown University
Application deadline: Early bird registration period ends April 15
Cost: $2,450 ($2,2200 during early bird registration)
This one-week program invites students to take part in advocacy and community service, earning 50 hours through the week. The program focuses on networking, leadership development, ethics, and social responsibility. It includes classes and workshops, but also social activities and curated field trips around the D.C. area.
18. Georgetown University | Creative Writing Academy
Dates: July 20 – 26
Location: Georgetown University
Deadline: April 15
Cost: $3,525 ($2,730 for commuter student tuition)
This week-long course teaches aspiring writers to transform their ideas and stories into compelling written works, along with what it takes to publish and professionalize their work. Students generate, refine, and polish their stories, poems, and essays during the program through workshops and tutorials; will have the opportunity to read their work at the famous D.C. literary hub, Busboys and Poets; and will have their work published in the program’s annual literary magazine.
19. Georgetown University | Social Justice & Public Policy Academy
Dates: July 6 – 18
Location: Georgetown University
Application deadline: April 15
Cost: $5,950 ($4,145 for commuter student tuition)
Students in this two-week summer program learn about multiple pathways toward the creation of a more just and humane world, including community-engaged research; community organizing and activism; direct service; decolonial philanthropy; advocacy for public policy; and social entrepreneurship for the common good. Participants also explore how their college studies can contribute to combating injustice and building peace. The program culminates with the design and implementation of a teach-in and participants earn a certificate for completing the program.
20. Georgetown University | 3-Week Medical Academy
Dates: June 8 – 27
Location: Georgetown University
Deadline: April 15
Cost: $8,410 ($6,355 for commuter student tuition)
Get a glimpse of a first-year medical school curriculum at this three-week summer program led by the Georgetown University School of Medicine faculty and medical students. The topics studied will range from cell biology and pathology to immunology, cardiology, and endocrinology, and students will also explore the fundamentals of emergency medicine. Students will experience a blend of classroom work, hands-on projects, and case studies, while students in most tracks can also expect a healthy dose of lab time.
21. Georgetown University | Law Academy
Dates:
- Law Academy I: June 22 – 28
- Law Academy II: July 13 – July 19
- Law Academy III: July 27 – August 2
Location: Georgetown University
Deadline: April 15
Cost: $3,525 ($2,730 for commuter student tuition)
Students of the Law Academy will gain an introduction to jurisprudence and learn how laws are adjudicated and administered through lectures, guest speakers, and discussion sections. Participants will evaluate current controversial issues and learn more about how America’s legal institutions have evolved over time. This program allows high schoolers to gain perspective on what it’s like to be an undergraduate at Georgetown University and learn from legal experts and Georgetown University faculty.
How Do Summer Programs Impact Your College Chances?
The effect a summer program has on your odds of college admissions varies. Everything from the selectivity and prestige of the program to the value a school places on extracurricular activities, like summer programs, can determine their influence on your college chances. While there’s no sure way to gauge how a college views your participation in a summer program, the four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good guide for understanding how colleges value them.
Tier-one and -two activities are home to the summer programs that are held in the highest esteem and with the most stringent admissions. Top-tier summer programs like these are sure to grab the attention of admissions officers, make your application stand apart from the competition, and have significant weight in admissions decisions.
Tier-three and -four activities include less-acclaimed and less-selective summer programs; consequently, they have less influence on your college odds. That said, attending a lower-tiered summer program can still give your college chances a boost. Attending a summer program demonstrates a desire to further explore the topics you find interesting—a quality that colleges admire. Many summer programs also include a college readiness component, which can give you a leg up over other applicants.
Curious about the effect extracurricular activities have on your chances of college admission? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.
