If you’re a high school student in Washington, D.C., and are interested in research, you’re in luck! The city is home to multiple institutions and federal agencies that offer summer programs in research, allowing you to explore areas such as biomedical science, environmental research, policy analysis, and historical studies.
These research programs allow you to work closely with experts, building important skills like coding, data analysis, lab techniques, technical writing, and experimental design. Whether you’re interested in working with cutting-edge technology, contributing to environmental research, or exploring complex public policy issues, these opportunities will help you sharpen your skills and gain valuable experience for your future.
To help you find the right fit, here are 15 research programs for high school students in Washington, D.C.!
15 Research Programs for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. You can choose between quantitative or qualitative research tracks, one of the few programs offering this option.
After selecting your subject and research type, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will guide you through your research. You will develop a 20-page research paper that can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication.
The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed feedback to help with future projects and college applications.
2. National Museum of Natural History’s High School Internship
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
Cost: None
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June to August (exact dates to be confirmed)
Eligibility: Current high school students, ages 14 to 18, enrolled in high school in the D.C. region.
The NMNH Summer High School Internship at the Smithsonian lets you explore museum work and natural history research through two tracks. In the Entomology track, you’ll work with insect specimens, learning how to manage and preserve collections.
You’ll get hands-on experience with moths, spiders, and other insects and explore scientific research methods. In the Exhibits track, you’ll assist in creating museum displays, from research to design. You’ll learn how to craft stories and help improve exhibits.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: All high school students can apply. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers two online programs for high school students who want to study artificial intelligence and work on AI research. In the AI Scholars Program, you take part in a 10-session online course that introduces you to Python, AI, and data science. You learn core skills like regression, neural networks, image classification, NLP, deep learning, sentiment analysis, and AI ethics. You work in a small group on a real-world project. The program runs for either 10 weeks or 2 weeks, depending on your schedule.
In the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, you work 1:1 with a mentor from a top university. You pick a topic, build a project, and aim to publish your work in a high school research journal. The program runs for 12 to 15 weeks and includes 12 sessions with your mentor.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of the Navy (DoN)
Location: Multiple locations, including Washington, D.C
Stipend: New participant: $4,000; Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and above by program start
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer internship where you work at a Department of the Navy lab. You get assigned to a lab based on your interests and location preferences.
You’ll work with Navy scientists and engineers on real projects in areas like mechanical engineering, AI, cybersecurity, robotics, oceanography, and materials science. You’ll pick up skills in data analysis, research methods, and technical writing.
5. Robert P. Kogod Arts Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $5,200
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March
Dates: 8 weeks, May-August
Eligibility: Only District of Columbia public high school students entering their junior or senior year, or who have just finished their senior year, are eligible.
The Robert P. Kogod Arts Internship is an eight-week summer program for DC public high school students entering their junior or senior year or who have recently graduated. You’ll be placed at a Smithsonian museum, office, or research center in Washington, DC, where you’ll work on projects that give you experience in the arts.
You’ll attend meetings, lectures, and public programs while working with mentors in your assigned department. This internship helps you learn how museums and cultural institutions operate and gives you a chance to build skills in communication, research, and event planning.
6. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16-27
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual summer internship for high school students to explore AI in healthcare. You’ll attend technical lectures, participate in mentoring sessions with Stanford researchers, and work on group projects addressing real-world challenges in medical AI, including health equity.
You’ll gain experience in AI applications for healthcare and develop skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving. Upon completing the program, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. An optional extended independent research internship may be available for those who want to continue their work.
7. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: NASA facilities across the U.S., including NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Most internships are paid, but some are volunteer-based.
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28; Fall: May 16
Dates: Dates vary as per the internship opportunity you applied for
Eligibility: high school student, aged 16 at the time of application, with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM Internship programs provide high school students the opportunity to work on real NASA projects in fields like science, engineering, business, IT, and finance. During the internship, you’ll develop specific skills in research, data analysis, coding, and problem-solving.
You’ll also gain experience with tools and techniques used in NASA’s work, such as simulation software, modeling, and lab-based experiments. Working under the guidance of NASA professionals, you’ll improve your ability to analyze complex data, work in teams, and communicate research findings effectively. To learn more about NASA internship opportunities, check out the complete guide here.
8. GWU Pre-College Program in Biomedical Engineering
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Varies from $250 to $ 500
Application Deadline: May 26
Dates: July 21 to July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The GWU’s pre-college program in biomedical engineering introduces you to biomedical engineering through research-focused activities, including lectures, lab work, and projects. You’ll explore topics like biomechanics, medical imaging, and tissue engineering.
You’ll develop research skills such as laboratory techniques, data collection, and analysis using software like MATLAB. You’ll also learn how to design experiments, interpret results, and apply your findings to real-world problems. In addition, you’ll work on biomedical device design, using tools like 3D modeling and prototyping.
9. Summer Volunteer Program – Cancer Research
Location: The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 31
Dates: 8 Weeks, June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: High School students are eligible
The High School & Undergraduate Summer Research Volunteer Program at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center offers an 8-week, full-time research experience in cancer biology. You will work with faculty mentors in the lab, gaining skills in cell biology, immunotherapy, drug resistance, and lab techniques like PCR, cell culture, and microscopy.
The program includes weekly seminars, networking opportunities with professionals, and the chance to present your research findings. You will also develop skills in scientific communication and data analysis, all while contributing to ongoing cancer research projects.
10. Medical Immersion Academy by Georgetown University
Location: Washington, D.C
Cost: $8,410
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: June 8 – June 27
Eligibility: The program is open to current or rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.0 during the academic year before the summer program.
Georgetown’s Medical Immersion Academy introduces high school students to a first-year medical school curriculum. Guided by Georgetown University School of Medicine faculty and students, you’ll study topics like cell biology, pathology, immunology, cardiology, and endocrinology.
The program also covers emergency medical skills such as physical exams, airway management, CPR, suturing, medication administration, and splinting. Through lectures and interactive sessions, you’ll learn how clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. You’ll also create a research-based poster on a medical theme, gaining skills in critical analysis and presentation.
11. Social Justice & Public Policy Academy by Georgetown University
Location: Washington, D.C
Cost: $5,950
Application Deadline: April 15
Dates: July 6 – July 18
Eligibility: High School Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA
The 2-week Social Justice & Public Policy Academy focuses on research into the root causes of injustice and structural oppression. You’ll explore methods for social change, including community-engaged research, public policy analysis, and social entrepreneurship.
Led by Georgetown faculty and undergraduate mentors, the program includes site visits to key organizations to study social justice issues in depth. You’ll conduct community-based research, gaining skills in data collection, analysis, and developing practical solutions to systemic inequities. The program concludes with designing a research-driven student organization focused on addressing social injustice.
12. NASA Pathways Internships
Location: Various NASA locations; students in Washington, D.C., can apply for positions at NASA Headquarters
Cost: Paid (amount varies with role)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Dates: Long-term, running alongside the school year
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 or older with a minimum 2.9 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants must be able to complete at least 640 work hours before earning their degree or certificate.
The NASA Pathways Internship Program is a long-term, paid internship designed to prepare students for future careers at NASA, with the potential for full-time employment. You’ll work on real projects while receiving mentorship from professionals across various fields.
Internships are available in STEM research and business areas, including engineering, aerospace, technology, program management, accounting, communications, mathematics, and statistics.
13. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: Multiple, including Washington, DC (e.g., FDIC roles)
Cost: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Dates: Varies; IEP internships follow academic calendars, ITEP internships are offered during breaks or year-round
Eligibility: Minimum age 16 by deadline; GPA of at least 2.0
The Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State give you the chance to gain hands-on experience in federal roles, focusing on research in areas like foreign affairs, public policy, and international relations. You’ll have the opportunity to work with agencies like the FDIC, EPA, and the Office of the General Counsel, where you can develop your research skills and contribute to important projects.
There are two types of internships. The Internship Experience Program (IEP) could lead to non-competitive promotions and federal benefits. The Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) is a short-term role lasting up to one year, with the option to extend for another year.
14. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeships
Location: Available nationwide, including Washington, DC.
Cost: Varies
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Summer; varies by location
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident high school students; site-specific requirements may apply
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeships pair you with university or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists on real STEM projects. You’ll dive into hands-on research in areas like biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, or physics, using tools like spectrometers, 3D printers, or coding platforms. Guided by expert mentors, you’ll build skills in experimental design, data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork while contributing to actual scientific discoveries.
15. Library of Congress High School Work-Study Program
Location: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; participants earn a federal salary (approximately $15.00/hour, GS-01/01 level).
Application Deadline: Year-round
Dates: Up to 1 year, ending June 30 of your graduation year; part-time during school, potential full-time during breaks.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen high school students (juniors or seniors), at least 16 years old, enrolled in a high school within a 45-minute commute of Washington, D.C.
The Library of Congress High School Work-Study Program immerses you in a professional federal workplace, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in administrative support roles. You’ll work on tasks like data entry, filing, and office organization, using standard office software and systems.
Guided by supervisors, you’ll develop skills in workplace communication, time management, and career planning while participating in classroom training and career development workshops.
Image source – Smithsonian Institution