Varsity Force
OpportunitiesDC · NoVA · MD
Future Paths
33 experiential programs matching “CPR / First Aid camp counselor student internship training shadowing certification”
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
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Academic Internship Program
An opportunity for students in college, graduate, or professional school to intern in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Participants train in research groups directed by a Principal Investigator, with opportunities in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences.
What it is
An opportunity for students in college, graduate, or professional school to intern in the NIH Intramural Research Program. Participants train in research groups directed by a Principal Investigator, with opportunities in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences.
Best fit
Students
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Closed
Fairfax County
Teens
Teens in Action offers an engaging, healthy and affordable recreation program for middle school and high school students to learn, play and serve. Activities include team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming, service projects, cultural field trips and much more! Free nutritious lunches and snacks are served.
What it is
Teens in Action offers an engaging, healthy and affordable recreation program for middle school and high school students to learn, play and serve. Activities include team sports, games, arts and crafts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programming, service projects, cultural field trips and much more! Free nutritious lunches and snacks are served.
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 for Summer 2026 Camp began March 17.
Fairfax County
Youth Conservation Camp
A week-long summer conservation camp for Virginia high school students on the campus of Virginia Tech, featuring hands-on learning about natural resources with conservation professionals and faculty.
What it is
A week-long summer conservation camp for Virginia high school students on the campus of Virginia Tech, featuring hands-on learning about natural resources with conservation professionals and faculty.
Best fit
Virginia residents in 9-12th grade
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Youth Conservation Camp Applications Are Due April 20th, 2026!
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
Youth Leadership Academy
YLA helps high school students with developmental or other disabilities develop leadership skills, explore career choices, and learn to advocate for their needs. Students participate in activities that promote personal growth and engage with state legislators and policymakers. All costs are covered for selected delegates.
What it is
YLA helps high school students with developmental or other disabilities develop leadership skills, explore career choices, and learn to advocate for their needs. Students participate in activities that promote personal growth and engage with state legislators and policymakers. All costs are covered for selected delegates.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Northern Virginia Community College
Summer Bridge Program Preparing Students for College
NOVA's Summer Bridge Program gives high school seniors hands-on tech experience and industry site visits to explore career paths in Engineering Technology (ET), Data Center Operations (DCO), Information Technology (IT), and Computer Science (CS).
What it is
NOVA's Summer Bridge Program gives high school seniors hands-on tech experience and industry site visits to explore career paths in Engineering Technology (ET), Data Center Operations (DCO), Information Technology (IT), and Computer Science (CS).
Best fit
high school seniors
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications for NOVA's Summer 2026 Bridge Program open in January
Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea Gap Year Program
Semester at Sea offers a gap year program for recent high school graduates to travel to 10+ countries, earn 9-12 college credits, and explore new interests before starting college.
What it is
Semester at Sea offers a gap year program for recent high school graduates to travel to 10+ countries, earn 9-12 college credits, and explore new interests before starting college.
Best fit
recent high school graduates taking a year off before embarking on their next academic adventure
Student next step
Open the official source and confirm current dates, eligibility, and application instructions.
Timing note
Applications are now open for Fall 2026