Varsity Force
OpportunitiesDC · NoVA · MD
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Showing 24 Top Matches
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Keeper-in-Training Camp
The Keeper-in-Training program at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides teens ages 11-17 with hands-on experiences shadowing zookeepers, assisting with animal care tasks like cleaning and enrichment, learning about animal behavior, and gaining insider knowledge about zoo operations.
What it is
The Keeper-in-Training program at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore provides teens ages 11-17 with hands-on experiences shadowing zookeepers, assisting with animal care tasks like cleaning and enrichment, learning about animal behavior, and gaining insider knowledge about zoo operations.
Best fit
Teens interested in animal care
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Rolling — apply anytime
Urban Alliance
11th Grade Workforce Readiness Program
This program is designed to provide career exposure and skill training before participating in our Flagship High School Internship Program. Students will develop basic employment skills, demonstrate their readiness for the workforce, and create a professional portfolio with a Senior Pathway Plan.
What it is
This program is designed to provide career exposure and skill training before participating in our Flagship High School Internship Program. Students will develop basic employment skills, demonstrate their readiness for the workforce, and create a professional portfolio with a Senior Pathway Plan.
Best fit
High school juniors in the Washington, DC area
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications will be available in Fall 2024
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Listo Program
LISTO is a free after-school intensive college prep program designed to support 11th – 12th-grade students on their pathway to college and a potential career. LISTO offers academic support, college visits, team-building activities, networking with current college students and professionals from various careers, and mentoring for college and financial aid application completion.
What it is
LISTO is a free after-school intensive college prep program designed to support 11th – 12th-grade students on their pathway to college and a potential career. LISTO offers academic support, college visits, team-building activities, networking with current college students and professionals from various careers, and mentoring for college and financial aid application completion.
Best fit
11th – 12th-grade students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
National Institutes of Health
NIH Postbac Program
An opportunity for recent college graduates to spend one or two years performing full-time research in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.
What it is
An opportunity for recent college graduates to spend one or two years performing full-time research in the Intramural Research Program at the NIH.
Best fit
Recent college graduates considering graduate or professional school in healthcare and STEM fields
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
open year round, but the majority of postbacs start June - October; we recommend applying six months prior to your preferred start date
SkillsUSA
Washington Leadership Training Institute
SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership Training Institute conference (WLTI) offers students and advisors from across the country unique opportunities to advocate for the skilled trades while receiving advanced leadership training. Events include tours of D.C.’s famous monuments and museums, panel discussions with government officials, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and more.
What it is
SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership Training Institute conference (WLTI) offers students and advisors from across the country unique opportunities to advocate for the skilled trades while receiving advanced leadership training. Events include tours of D.C.’s famous monuments and museums, panel discussions with government officials, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and more.
Best fit
Career and Technical Education Students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Future Engineer Career Tours
A comprehensive childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education for students from underserved communities.
What it is
A comprehensive childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education for students from underserved communities.
Best fit
Students from underserved communities
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Status unknown — verify
District of Columbia College Access Program
GEAR UP DC
GEAR UP offers federally funded, cohort-based support — helping middle and high school students in D.C. prepare for post-secondary education. The program is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond by building early awareness, academic readiness, and strong support systems.
What it is
GEAR UP offers federally funded, cohort-based support — helping middle and high school students in D.C. prepare for post-secondary education. The program is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond by building early awareness, academic readiness, and strong support systems.
Best fit
eligible low-income students, including students with disabilities
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Status unknown — verify
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
Youth
This program empowers youth to become critical ethical leaders and responsible citizens through training in the theory and practice of making public policy. Over the course of a school year, students from across the city learn invaluable skills that they can use to improve their communities for years to come. Acting as mayor, council members, committee members, the press and Board of Education, students debate and pass laws that they believe can solve our region’s and our nation’s most pressing problems.
What it is
This program empowers youth to become critical ethical leaders and responsible citizens through training in the theory and practice of making public policy. Over the course of a school year, students from across the city learn invaluable skills that they can use to improve their communities for years to come. Acting as mayor, council members, committee members, the press and Board of Education, students debate and pass laws that they believe can solve our region’s and our nation’s most pressing problems.
Best fit
High school students interested in civic leadership
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
All program activities lead to the YMCA DC Youth & Government Legislative Weekend, held in April.
Outward Bound
Outward Bound Gap Year
Life after high school comes with endless possibilities—and that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re taking a gap year, between college semesters, or simply ready for something that helps you see your own potential more clearly, Pathfinder meets you exactly where you are. Develop an inner compass that helps you navigate life’s bigger challenges. From goal-setting frameworks to communication techniques that strengthen relationships, you’ll return home with capabilities you can use immediately—not abstract ideas, but tangible tools for building the life you want.
What it is
Life after high school comes with endless possibilities—and that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re taking a gap year, between college semesters, or simply ready for something that helps you see your own potential more clearly, Pathfinder meets you exactly where you are. Develop an inner compass that helps you navigate life’s bigger challenges. From goal-setting frameworks to communication techniques that strengthen relationships, you’ll return home with capabilities you can use immediately—not abstract ideas, but tangible tools for building the life you want.
Best fit
Recent high school graduates taking a gap year
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Spotsylvania County Public Schools (VA)
Spotsylvania CTE Externship Program
A 40-hour extended job shadow that provides students with real-world career insight while connecting to classroom content. Students learn life skills and career expectations to be better prepared for life after high school.
What it is
A 40-hour extended job shadow that provides students with real-world career insight while connecting to classroom content. Students learn life skills and career expectations to be better prepared for life after high school.
Best fit
Spotsylvania high school CTE students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)
Te Guio Program
Te Guio mentoring program provides youth in 9th-10th grades with a mentor to guide them on the path to graduate high school, enroll in higher education, and transition to a healthy adulthood. Weekly lessons focus on STEM, academic support, and social-emotional learning, with opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with LSF staff and volunteers.
What it is
Te Guio mentoring program provides youth in 9th-10th grades with a mentor to guide them on the path to graduate high school, enroll in higher education, and transition to a healthy adulthood. Weekly lessons focus on STEM, academic support, and social-emotional learning, with opportunities for one-on-one mentoring with LSF staff and volunteers.
Best fit
Latino/a 9th-10th grade students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
George Mason University
EIP Prep
EIP Prep serves 8th-grade students throughout seven public school counties with which the Early Identification Program partners with. The EIP Prep is designed to support students academically and personally through numerous activities and events. EIP Prep students are provided with weekly tutoring, mentoring, financial aid, goal setting, study skills, and a wide range of seminars that focus on college prep and admissions.
What it is
EIP Prep serves 8th-grade students throughout seven public school counties with which the Early Identification Program partners with. The EIP Prep is designed to support students academically and personally through numerous activities and events. EIP Prep students are provided with weekly tutoring, mentoring, financial aid, goal setting, study skills, and a wide range of seminars that focus on college prep and admissions.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
U.S. National Science Foundation
SBE Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites
Supports research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas funded by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. The SBE REU Sites program provides research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme and may be based in a single discipline or academic department, or be interdisciplinary and multi-departmental.
What it is
Supports research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas funded by the Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences. The SBE REU Sites program provides research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme and may be based in a single discipline or academic department, or be interdisciplinary and multi-departmental.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
West River Center
Ultimate Middle School, Grades 6-8
Ultimate Middle School is for campers entering 6th through 8th grades. Campers choose a single specialty to focus on each morning through the week and spend their afternoons doing traditional camp activities.
What it is
Ultimate Middle School is for campers entering 6th through 8th grades. Campers choose a single specialty to focus on each morning through the week and spend their afternoons doing traditional camp activities.
Best fit
entering 6th through 8th grades
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Status unknown — verify
Close Up Foundation
Close Up Middle and High School Civic Education Programs
A professional development program for teachers that runs parallel to student experiences in Washington, D.C., featuring thematic visits to monuments, professional development sessions, and out-of-town excursions.
What it is
A professional development program for teachers that runs parallel to student experiences in Washington, D.C., featuring thematic visits to monuments, professional development sessions, and out-of-town excursions.
Best fit
Middle and high school students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
DC Department of Energy & Environment
Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences - MWEEs
DOEE's Watershed Protection Division provides District students with multi-day programs that teach about local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay through classroom lessons, field experiences, action projects, and reflection activities.
What it is
DOEE's Watershed Protection Division provides District students with multi-day programs that teach about local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay through classroom lessons, field experiences, action projects, and reflection activities.
Best fit
District students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Fairfax Water
Student Project Program
Fairfax Water is pleased to offer its help to 7th - 12th grade students pursuing science fair projects related to drinking water. We are here to answer general questions regarding the drinking water treatment process and water quality as well as to provide assistance with testing water samples from students' experiments.
What it is
Fairfax Water is pleased to offer its help to 7th - 12th grade students pursuing science fair projects related to drinking water. We are here to answer general questions regarding the drinking water treatment process and water quality as well as to provide assistance with testing water samples from students' experiments.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
George Mason University
Undergraduate and High School Student Research Opportunities
High school and undergraduate students work alongside Mason researchers on real-world projects related to proteomic and genomic analyses of cancer and other diseases; and in Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biodefense, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology, Physics and Environmental Science.
What it is
High school and undergraduate students work alongside Mason researchers on real-world projects related to proteomic and genomic analyses of cancer and other diseases; and in Neuroscience, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biodefense, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology, Physics and Environmental Science.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
University of Maryland
Undergraduate Student Summer Research
This program builds on the strengths of two great institutions by enabling outstanding University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) undergraduates to become engaged in summer research projects led by top faculty in the University of Maryland School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
What it is
This program builds on the strengths of two great institutions by enabling outstanding University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) undergraduates to become engaged in summer research projects led by top faculty in the University of Maryland School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Peterson Young Naturalist Program
The Peterson Young Naturalist Program informs and motivates young people to protect habitat and native species across Loudoun County. The program facilitates nature education workshops to equip students with the skills they need to get outside and record the local plants and animals they see. Every spring, awards are presented to students whose nature journals are exceptional in nature observation, drawing, and writing.
What it is
The Peterson Young Naturalist Program informs and motivates young people to protect habitat and native species across Loudoun County. The program facilitates nature education workshops to equip students with the skills they need to get outside and record the local plants and animals they see. Every spring, awards are presented to students whose nature journals are exceptional in nature observation, drawing, and writing.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Maryland Space Grant Consortium
Balloon Payload Program
A program using weather balloons to lift small payloads to near-space conditions, involving students in payload design, construction, launch, recovery, and data analysis.
What it is
A program using weather balloons to lift small payloads to near-space conditions, involving students in payload design, construction, launch, recovery, and data analysis.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Congressional School
Congressional Day Camp
Day Camp is where campers build friendships, try new things, and experience the joy of summer. Each week is filled with adventure, outdoor education, sports, arts and crafts, horseback riding, archery, swimming, and many other hands-on activities woven into a balanced weekly schedule. Camp runs daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with theme days and special events that bring extra fun to each session.
What it is
Day Camp is where campers build friendships, try new things, and experience the joy of summer. Each week is filled with adventure, outdoor education, sports, arts and crafts, horseback riding, archery, swimming, and many other hands-on activities woven into a balanced weekly schedule. Camp runs daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with theme days and special events that bring extra fun to each session.
Best fit
rising middle school campers in grades 6–8
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Status unknown — verify
Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.
OST Office Youth Advisory Council
Opportunity for parents to participate in the My School DC Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and for youth ages 14-24 to serve on an OST Office Youth Advisory Council to advise on afterschool and summer program offerings in DC.
What it is
Opportunity for parents to participate in the My School DC Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and for youth ages 14-24 to serve on an OST Office Youth Advisory Council to advise on afterschool and summer program offerings in DC.
Best fit
14-24
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Status unknown — verify
University of Virginia
Inspire Summer
Summer programming for rising 10th–12th graders to explore new interests and skills. Classes are offered in 1–4 week formats, available either in person or online, with topics in business, engineering, creative writing, and more. In-person classes are commuter only (non-residential).
What it is
Summer programming for rising 10th–12th graders to explore new interests and skills. Classes are offered in 1–4 week formats, available either in person or online, with topics in business, engineering, creative writing, and more. In-person classes are commuter only (non-residential).
Best fit
rising 10th–12th grade high school students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Classes remain open for enrollment until they reach capacity.