Varsity Force
OpportunitiesDC · NoVA · MD
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Showing 24 Top Matches
KidFriendly DC
Day Off School Camp
Animal-related educational day camp program for school-age children featuring arts and crafts, guest speakers, hands-on animal care, and games. Multiple themed sessions offered on Alexandria City Public Schools non-instructional days.
What it is
Animal-related educational day camp program for school-age children featuring arts and crafts, guest speakers, hands-on animal care, and games. Multiple themed sessions offered on Alexandria City Public Schools non-instructional days.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Registration opens August 9, 2026 (rolling for each camp date)
NASA
High School Aerospace Scholars
Texas Aerospace Scholars, or TAS, offers Texas high school students a unique opportunity to explore STEM concepts and discover how their interests connect to real NASA work. Through interactive online lessons, engineering design challenges, and opportunities to collaborate with NASA professionals, students deepen their understanding of space exploration and develop practical STEM skills.
What it is
Texas Aerospace Scholars, or TAS, offers Texas high school students a unique opportunity to explore STEM concepts and discover how their interests connect to real NASA work. Through interactive online lessons, engineering design challenges, and opportunities to collaborate with NASA professionals, students deepen their understanding of space exploration and develop practical STEM skills.
Best fit
Texas high school juniors and seniors
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
July 1 – Sept. 16, 2026
Rock Creek Conservancy
Volunteer
All-ages family and youth volunteers can join public cleanup and restoration events in Rock Creek Park and nearby Maryland parks throughout the year.
What it is
All-ages family and youth volunteers can join public cleanup and restoration events in Rock Creek Park and nearby Maryland parks throughout the year.
Best fit
Families and youth
Student next step
Open the official source, confirm age rules and hour documentation, then pick a shift or contact the volunteer coordinator.
Timing note
Events throughout the year
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Future Engineer Career Tours
A comprehensive K-12 computer science education program offering free career tours, computer science courses, teacher training, scholarships worth $40,000, and paid summer internships at Amazon for students from underserved communities.
What it is
A comprehensive K-12 computer science education program offering free career tours, computer science courses, teacher training, scholarships worth $40,000, and paid summer internships at Amazon 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
Recurring — reopens
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
Youth Leadership Academy
Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) helps students with developmental or other disabilities gain new skills. These skills help them to grow as a person and as a leader. Students also explore career choices that interest them. YLA helps high school students develop their leadership skills. These students live in Virginia. They have fun at YLA.
What it is
Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) helps students with developmental or other disabilities gain new skills. These skills help them to grow as a person and as a leader. Students also explore career choices that interest them. YLA helps high school students develop their leadership skills. These students live in Virginia. They have fun at YLA.
Best fit
Virginia high school students with developmental or other disabilities
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications for the July 2025 YLA closed on March 28, 2025
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
Apply to Listo Rapido 2026
Urban Alliance
11th Grade Workforce Readiness Program
A structured workforce readiness program for 11th grade students providing career exposure, skill training, professional development, and up to $1,000 in earnings before participating in the flagship High School Internship Program.
What it is
A structured workforce readiness program for 11th grade students providing career exposure, skill training, professional development, and up to $1,000 in earnings before participating in the flagship High School Internship Program.
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
Fall 2024
District of Columbia College Access Program
GEAR UP DC
Federally funded, cohort-based support program helping middle and high school students in Washington DC prepare for post-secondary education through academic advising, tutoring, college tours, mentoring, and family engagement.
What it is
Federally funded, cohort-based support program helping middle and high school students in Washington DC prepare for post-secondary education through academic advising, tutoring, college tours, mentoring, and family engagement.
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
Recurring — reopens
Fairfax Water
Student Project Program
A program offering 7th-12th grade students the opportunity to work with trained water quality analysts on science fair projects related to drinking water. Students receive guidance on the drinking water treatment process, water quality questions, and assistance with water sample testing.
What it is
A program offering 7th-12th grade students the opportunity to work with trained water quality analysts on science fair projects related to drinking water. Students receive guidance on the drinking water treatment process, water quality questions, and assistance with water sample testing.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
First-come, first-served rolling basis; projects with due dates less than three weeks from initial contact will not be considered
National Institutes of Health
NIH Postbac Program
A full-time research position for recent college graduates in the NIH Intramural Research Program, offering 1-2 years of hands-on biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences research with stipend, professional development, and career advising.
What it is
A full-time research position for recent college graduates in the NIH Intramural Research Program, offering 1-2 years of hands-on biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences research with stipend, professional development, and career advising.
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
Applications accepted year-round; rolling basis with majority of starts June-October
Fairfax Water
Student Project Program
A program offering assistance to 7th-12th grade students pursuing science fair projects related to drinking water. Students may work in the water quality lab with a trained analyst to conduct water sample testing and receive guidance on drinking water treatment and quality topics.
What it is
A program offering assistance to 7th-12th grade students pursuing science fair projects related to drinking water. Students may work in the water quality lab with a trained analyst to conduct water sample testing and receive guidance on drinking water treatment and quality topics.
Best fit
7th - 12th grade students pursuing science fair projects related to drinking water
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Rolling admissions, first-come first-served basis; projects with due dates less than three weeks from contact will not be considered
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Academic Internship Program
A research internship program for college, graduate, and professional school students to train at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Program during the school year or full-time. Positions are paid with access to professional development, educational advising, and well-being programs.
What it is
A research internship program for college, graduate, and professional school students to train at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Intramural Research Program during the school year or full-time. Positions are paid with access to professional development, educational advising, and well-being programs.
Best fit
Students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Rolling; AIP appointments begin after September 1 and may continue through no later than June 1
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Student Leadership Program
Year-round environmental education and advocacy program for high school students (9th-12th grade) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students learn about watershed issues, engage with environmental professionals, and develop evidence-based solutions through service-learning and advocacy activities.
What it is
Year-round environmental education and advocacy program for high school students (9th-12th grade) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students learn about watershed issues, engage with environmental professionals, and develop evidence-based solutions through service-learning and advocacy activities.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Registration begins each year in early January for Summer Expeditions
Loudoun Youth Advisory Council
Loudoun Youth Advisory Council
A student-led organization for highly motivated teens in Loudoun County focused on leadership development, community service, and civic engagement. YAC meets twice monthly throughout the school year to work on special events and community service projects.
What it is
A student-led organization for highly motivated teens in Loudoun County focused on leadership development, community service, and civic engagement. YAC meets twice monthly throughout the school year to work on special events and community service projects.
Best fit
13-17
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications opened June 22, 2026 at noon; no explicit closing deadline stated
SkillsUSA
Washington Leadership Training Institute
A four-day annual conference held in Washington, D.C. each September for SkillsUSA students and advisors. Participants receive advanced leadership training, tour D.C. monuments and museums, attend panel discussions with government officials, and conduct in-person advocacy visits to Capitol Hill to advocate for skilled trades and career and technical education.
What it is
A four-day annual conference held in Washington, D.C. each September for SkillsUSA students and advisors. Participants receive advanced leadership training, tour D.C. monuments and museums, attend panel discussions with government officials, and conduct in-person advocacy visits to Capitol Hill to advocate for skilled trades and career and technical education.
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
National Philharmonic
Youth Mentorship Program
The Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) aims to contribute to students’ holistic growth through music and extramusical opportunities, pairing high school musicians with professional mentors for experiential learning and performance opportunities. The program includes private lessons, chamber group participation, and workshops on life skills and college preparation.
What it is
The Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) aims to contribute to students’ holistic growth through music and extramusical opportunities, pairing high school musicians with professional mentors for experiential learning and performance opportunities. The program includes private lessons, chamber group participation, and workshops on life skills and college preparation.
Best fit
Music students from historically resilient communities
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications due by Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at 5 PM
Fairfax County
Teens
A free recreation program for middle school and high school students in Fairfax County during school breaks (spring, summer, winter). Offers team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM programming, service projects, cultural field trips, and free nutritious meals.
What it is
A free recreation program for middle school and high school students in Fairfax County during school breaks (spring, summer, winter). Offers team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM programming, service projects, cultural field trips, and free nutritious meals.
Best fit
Middle school and high school students living in Fairfax County
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Registration began March 17, 2026 for Summer 2026 Camp
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)
Te Guio Program
A mentorship program for 9th-10th grade students providing academic support, STEM lessons, social-emotional learning, and career readiness with opportunities to work in the DC Summer Youth Employment Program.
What it is
A mentorship program for 9th-10th grade students providing academic support, STEM lessons, social-emotional learning, and career readiness with opportunities to work in the DC Summer Youth Employment Program.
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
Smithsonian Institution
The Redbud Phenology Project
A citizen science campaign inviting observers to track flowering and fruiting of eastern and western redbud trees across North America using the Nature's Notebook app. Participants record phenological observations and can earn a badge for six observations.
What it is
A citizen science campaign inviting observers to track flowering and fruiting of eastern and western redbud trees across North America using the Nature's Notebook app. Participants record phenological observations and can earn a badge for six observations.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
KidFriendly DC
Pawsitive Action Club
A youth program for middle school students (grades 6-8) designed to familiarize them with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and instill animal compassion and advocacy. Students attend monthly club meetings on animal welfare topics with a membership fee of $10 per meeting.
What it is
A youth program for middle school students (grades 6-8) designed to familiarize them with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and instill animal compassion and advocacy. Students attend monthly club meetings on animal welfare topics with a membership fee of $10 per meeting.
Best fit
Middle School (grades 6-8) students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Registration Opens September 6, 2026
U.S. National Science Foundation
SBE Research Experiences for Undergraduates Sites
NSF funding program that supports research participation by undergraduate students in social, behavioral, and economic sciences. REU Sites provide research opportunities with coherent intellectual themes, typically lasting three years with approximately $350,000 in funding.
What it is
NSF funding program that supports research participation by undergraduate students in social, behavioral, and economic sciences. REU Sites provide research opportunities with coherent intellectual themes, typically lasting three years with approximately $350,000 in funding.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
George Mason University
EIP Prep
A college-preparatory support program for 8th-grade students in seven DMV public school counties. Participants receive weekly tutoring, mentoring, financial aid counseling, goal setting, study skills workshops, college prep seminars, and family engagement activities. Successful completion leads to admission into EIP for grades 9-12.
What it is
A college-preparatory support program for 8th-grade students in seven DMV public school counties. Participants receive weekly tutoring, mentoring, financial aid counseling, goal setting, study skills workshops, college prep seminars, and family engagement activities. Successful completion leads to admission into EIP for grades 9-12.
Best fit
General
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Recurring — reopens
Washington College Center for Environment & Society
Chesapeake Semester
A fall-semester immersive program at Washington College for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors combining interdisciplinary study of the Chesapeake Bay estuary with fieldwork, outdoor adventure, and international comparative study in Belize. Students earn 16 credits across four courses while spending 50+ days in the field.
What it is
A fall-semester immersive program at Washington College for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors combining interdisciplinary study of the Chesapeake Bay estuary with fieldwork, outdoor adventure, and international comparative study in Belize. Students earn 16 credits across four courses while spending 50+ days in the field.
Best fit
Undergraduate
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
A nature education program by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy that informs and motivates young people to protect habitat and native species. The program facilitates nature education workshops for school students and presents annual awards to students with exceptional nature journals.
What it is
A nature education program by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy that informs and motivates young people to protect habitat and native species. The program facilitates nature education workshops for school students and presents annual awards to students with exceptional nature journals.
Best fit
Students checking eligibility and fit.
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Annually in spring for award program submissions