Extracurriculars & Programs in Washington, DC for High School Students

Washington, DC offers what no other city can: congressional internships, NIH and Smithsonian research placements, and policy institutes at Georgetown and GW.

54 verified programs match this page; 22 of the featured listings are completely free; 3 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 30+ curated programs for high school students:

• U.S. Presidential Scholars Program — U.S. Department of Education: Earn national recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar, the highest honor for top high school seniors. Boost college applications and showcase leade
• National Student Poets Program — Institute of Museum and Library Services: Prestigious poetry competition for 10th-11th graders. Become a literary ambassador, gain recognition, and build creative writing skills for college an
• National Japan Bowl — Japan-America Society of Washington DC: Compete in the National Japan Bowl to showcase your Japanese language and cultural knowledge. Build key skills, earn scholarships, and enhance your co
• Mathematical Olympiad Program — MAA: Intensive math competition program for elite high school students. Enhance problem-solving skills, boost college applications, and train with top USAM
• United States Senate Youth Program — Hearst Foundations: Explore leadership and civic skills in this prestigious high school program. Includes a week in Washington, D.C. and a $10,000 scholarship to boost co
• White House Internship Program — The White House: Gain hands-on leadership experience with this prestigious White House internship. Perfect for building government skills and boosting college applicat
• Washington Journalism and Media Conference — George Mason University: Explore a week-long summer program in Washington, D.C. for high schoolers passionate about journalism and media. Gain hands-on experience and boost co
• FEMA Youth Preparedness Council — FEMA: National council advising FEMA on youth preparedness.
• Future City Competition — DiscoverE: Design city of the future. Teams create models, essays, and presentations for national finals in DC.
• Capitol Forum Debate & Speech — Capitol Forum: Master debate and public speaking skills in this national competition for high schoolers. Boost college applications while gaining hands-on experience
• JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl — U.S. Military: Challenge your leadership and academic skills in this national JROTC competition for high school students. Build your resume and gain hands-on experie
• Lead America Congressional Student Leadership Conference — Lead America: Student leadership conference in Washington DC exploring government, law, and public policy with interactive simulations.
• North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) — Georgetown International Relations Association: Develop diplomacy, debate, and leadership skills at NAIMUN, a premier high school Model UN competition with hands-on international relations experienc
• Youth Ambassadors Program (U.S.) — U.S. Department of State & World Learning: Empower your leadership skills with this free hybrid exchange program for high schoolers. Gain hands-on experience in service, build your resume, and
• The Congressional Award Program — The Congressional Award Foundation: Earn U.S. Congress's youth achievement award by completing service, fitness, and personal development goals. Build leadership skills and boost college
• Princeton Model Congress — Princeton Model Congress: Four-day simulation where students draft and debate legislation in committee.
• National Science Bowl (High School) — U.S. Department of Energy: Compete in the National Science Bowl, a thrilling high school STEM competition. Build expertise in biology, physics, and math while boosting college a
• National Young Leaders Conference — Congressional Youth Leadership Council: Leadership conference focused on government and public service.
• State Department Student Programs — U.S. Department of State: Explore leadership and government through free State Department internships and exchange programs. Gain hands-on diplomacy experience to boost college
• U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) — The Hearst Foundations: Fully funded, weeklong Washington Week for two students per state plus a $10,000 scholarship.
• U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in the Arts — U.S. Department of Education: Highest honor bestowed upon American arts students by the U.S. President. 20 students selected annually via YoungArts for national recognition ceremon
• We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals — Center for Civic Education: Compete in a prestigious civics competition with simulated congressional hearings. Build critical thinking, public speaking, and constitutional knowle
• NAIMUN (North American Invitational Model United Nations) — Georgetown International Relations Association: One of the nation's oldest and most prestigious high school MUN conferences.
• Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards — Hispanic Heritage Foundation: Celebrate Latino heritage through this national competition for high school seniors. Win $3,000 scholarships while boosting leadership skills and coll
• U.S. Senate Page Program — United States Senate: Gain hands-on government experience through this prestigious in-person program in DC. Build leadership skills, boost college applications, and explore
• National Invention Convention and Entrepreneurship Expo — USPTO: Showcase your invention at a national competition for grades 4-12! Gain hands-on STEM experience, boost creativity, and stand out on college applicati
• Yale Model Congress (YMC) — Yale Model Congress: Join a selective government competition in Washington, DC, fostering debate, leadership, and policy-making skills. Perfect for college applications an
• Smithsonian Teen Volunteer — Smithsonian Institution: Assist with museum programs, events, and visitor services at Smithsonian museums.
• Congressional App Challenge — U.S. House of Representatives: Join a nationwide competition to design innovative apps, showcase your coding skills to Congress, and boost your college applications. Open to grades
• Presidential Scholar in the Arts — U.S. Department of Education: 20 students selected annually via YoungArts. One of highest honors for young artists.

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