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Home » Academics » Advanced Academics & Talent Development » Additional Enrichment Opportunities

Additional Enrichment Opportunities

I keep this list updated throughout the year with opportunities that come through my office.

  • University of Iowa’s Summer Writing Opportunity for Students
    • Online, 7/6/2026 – 7/24/2026
    • Imagine having The Writing University visit you in the comfort of your home each day for three weeks this summer. Learn from world-class faculty and graduates of the famed Iowa Writers’ Workshop, in the first UNESCO City of Literature in the US.
    • Envision spending your time participating in workshops, lectures, and events that excite and stretch you as a writer. Picture investing three full weeks in your passion, learning with other high school students from all over the world who are as consumed with writing as you.
    • This dream is reality with Summer Writing Online (SWO), an immersive 3–week online residency for students in grades 9 to 11 presented by the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center.
    • This course is 100% synchronous, featuring 3.5 hours of interactive class time each day for students to create community with other talented, young writers as they read, write, laugh, and learn together. It’s not just an online class; it’s an online experience!
    • Application Timeline:
      • Applications opened December 15, 2025.
      • Applications are reviewed in the order we receive them and seats are limited. After regularly reviewing the applications (about every two weeks), we will notify students of their selection status; accepted, alternate, or not selected.
      • Cost: $295.00, financial aid available
  • The Wakefield PTSA is proud to host the 1st Annual Wakefield $1500 AI Challenge
    • March 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
    • All students are eligible to participate, whether they are new to or experienced with AI.
    • As part of the event, the PTSA will host a Zoom call with Eiko Consulting at 6:00 PM on March 18 focused on responsible AI use. This Zoom call is for parents and students.
    • Then, on March 21, the students will be taught (by BlueGenAI’s CTO) how to use BlueGenAI to solve one of the challenge prompts. They will also receive a microlesson on pitching a solution.
    • The Challenge will conclude with students pitching, and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams.
    • If you would like to learn more, or have your student sign up, you can go HERE, review the flyer, or scan the QR code on the flyer.
    • If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTSA president, Will Fuentes, at [email protected]
  • Smithsonian Natural History Museum Summer Internship 
    • The NMNH Summer High School Internship Program at the Smithsonian Institution supports current high school attendees, ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 – 12), who are interested in learning about what it is like to work at a museum. Internships will be available to work with various departments throughout NMNH, and many interns will be able to explore both science and non-science museum work.
    • Applications are being accepted through March 20.
  • Amazon’s Finance & Business Work-based Learning Experience: Current 10th grade students
    • Overview: The Amazon Periscope Program is a two-year work-based learning experience for students interested in exploring finance and business, offering a unique blend of summer learning and year-round support. Participants take part in a two‑week summer session their first year, a one‑week session the second year, and ongoing school‑year reconnects to continue building skills. Each student is paired with an Amazon finance professional who provides personal mentorship and coaching throughout the program and beyond.
    • Application Due Date:  Monday, March 16, 2026 by 5pm
    •  Qualifications:
      • Current 10th grade student attending in Arlington Public Schools
      • Successfully complete Algebra I by July 1, 2026.
      • GPA 2.3+
    • Program Highlights:
      • Two‑Year Finance & Business Experience with hands-on learning and real‑world exposure.
      • Summer Sessions: 2 weeks in Year 1 + 1 week in Year 2, plus check‑ins during the school year.
      • Personal Amazon Mentor: Each student is paired with an Amazon finance professional for ongoing coaching.
      • Built for 10th Graders who enjoy math, statistics, finance, business or entrepreneurial thinking.
      • Preference given to students currently enrolled in or registered for business, accounting, or entrepreneurship courses.
      • Great fit for curious students ready to explore career paths in finance or business.
    • Link to the application (must be signed in to your APS Profile)
    • Link to the flyer (must be signed in to your APS Profile)
    • Link to the Opportunity in SchooLinks (must be signed in to your APS Profile)
  • Arlington Teen Police Academy
    • Ages: Rising 10th-12th grade students who live in and/or attend school in Arlington
    • When:   Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24
    • Where: Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Center, 333 Long Bridge Drive, 9 AM – 4 PM
    • Cost: $50*
    • Lunch: Provided on Monday and Friday only
    • Contact: Corporal D. Williams
    • Program Overview: The Community Engagement Division presents the Teen Police Academy for those who want to explore a career in law enforcement. Through classroom presentations, hands-on learning, scenario training, and a field trip to the National Law Enforcement Museum, the Teen Police Academy will educate participants about a career in law enforcement, while also giving them a better understanding of how the police department operates and its role in the community. Participants can ask questions of presenters and share their insights throughout the program. Topics covered in the Teen Police Academy curriculum include, but are not limited to, crime scene investigation, traffic stops, K9 demonstrations and criminal investigations.
    • Complete the Teen Police Academy Online Application
    • *Arlington County does not want fees to be a barrier for residents to participate in camps. To request a reduction in fees, please reach out to the officer contact for the camp.
  • Arlington Outdoor Lab Teen Board Members 
    • The Outdoor Lab welcomes Arlington high school students who wish to volunteer at the Lab throughout the school year.
    • We invite rising Juniors and Seniors (current 10th & 11th grade students) to apply to serve as a student board member from spring 2026-2027.
    • The student board member participates in monthly AOEA board meetings mostly via Zoom, offering advice and voting on AOEA business. They participate in AOEA events at the Outdoor Lab and in Arlington and act as a liaison to their schools and student groups in APS.
    • To apply please fill out our brief application by March 31, or contact AOEA at secr…@outdoorlab.org with any questions.Students can earn service hours at our Spring (April 18) and Fall (tbd) Open Houses or at other volunteer work days throughout the year; please sign up here to hear about upcoming volunteer needs. We also welcome high school seniors to work with the Lab for their senior experience; please reach out to volu…@outdoorlab.org to inquire about opportunities.
    • This summer APS will hold three weeks of overnight camp for students in grades 4-8: July 6-10, July 13-17 and July 20-24. Current students in grades 9 through 12 are invited to apply for a volunteer CIT/junior staff position; applications are due Fri., March 27.
    • –Colleen Rocha LevineVice President, Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA)
    • outdoorlab.org | instagram | facebook
  • Virginia Tech and 4-H are seeking Camp Counselors, primarily male counselors (though female counselors also encouraged to apply): From Dr. Madden at Tech: “This year, recruitment has been notably low for male teens ages 14–18 to serve as counselors for our 4-H overnight camp, and we are currently short five males. Teen counselors pay a reduced camp fee of $200 and earn 100 community service hours in return. They are required to participate in three training sessions and attend a Saturday training day at the 4-H Center in Front Royal, VA.”
  • Arlington Summer Camp Counselors and Volunteers
  • Smithsonian Youth Teaching Assistants for Summer Camp Programs
    • Looking for responsible and highly motivated teenagers to assist with Summer Camp.
    • Youth Teaching Assistants (YTAs) are ages 15 and older and offer support to the instructors.
    • YTA options will be available weekly from June through August 2026.
    • Applications must be submitted by the end of Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
    • Volunteers will be contacted via email by April 21, 2026.
  • QuestBridge College Prep Summer Program Scholarships
    • QuestBridge partners with top colleges and universities to offer select College Prep Scholars the opportunity to take courses on their world-class campuses and immerse themselves in the college experience. Scholarships fund the full cost of travel, tuition, housing and meals, and supplies.
      • Explore a topic of interest at the college level
      • Collaborate and participate in hands-on activities with students from across the country
      • Cultivate relationships with faculty and researchers
      • Learn more about college life and the extensive resources and support available to students from low-income backgrounds
  • Edu-Futuro offers a dynamic 5-week Leadership and College Readiness Program
    • We’re excited to return to Wakefield High School this year and to offer our programs once again to your amazing students.
    • Emerging Leaders Program (ELP I) for the Winter 2026 session applications open.
    • ELP I is a free, five-week Leadership and College Readiness Program open to high school students in grades 9–12. The goal is to create a fun and engaging space where students and families can explore college and career pathways together. The program includes:
      • Leadership skill-building
      • College readiness support
      • Career exploration
      • Opportunities for scholarships and college tours
      • ELP I Application
  • Running Start A nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for political office. Need-based scholarships available.
  • Signature Theater Signature in the Schools is a theatrical training program for students written, directed and designed by professional theater artists. The theater also offers a variety of other programs for students through the link above.
  • STEM for Her Programs STEM for Her develops programs and partners with leaders, community organizations, and corporations with a strong focus on the underserved populations in the DMV to give young women a path forward in STEM careers.
  • Study Abroad in Japan
    • Study Japanese in Arlington (SJA) offers free Japanese language and cultural opportunities for residents of the DC area. Explore the world of international education opportunities in Japan. Discover appealing opportunities at innovative universities like Temple University, Japan Campus (in Tokyo) and Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS) (in Kyoto), where you can study in English and earn a bachelor’s degree at an affordable tuition.
  • Work-Based Learning opportunities
    • Available to students at all grade levels as part of Arlington Public Schools’ commitment to career readiness and real-world learning. These opportunities are designed to give students hands-on experiences and valuable skills that will prepare them for success in both college and future careers.
    • Externships, Internships and other Work-based Learning Opportunities available.
  • The Leadership Center of Arlington Inspire Program
    • Open to current 10th & 11th grade students (rising 11/12 by summer program)
    • Draws on the Leadership Center’s deep knowledge and expertise in leadership development, civic engagement, and community building to connect a cohort of young citizens and empower them with the inspiration and tools to develop their leadership skills and make a difference in their community.
    • The Inspire Youth Leadership Program brings together a diverse group of rising 11th and 12th graders for a week-long, immersive summer experience.
    • The journey exposes each cohort to a challenge, and through skill building, exposure to established leaders, and facilitated group dynamic guidance, offers students the chance to develop their individual leadership style and create a lasting impact on their community.
    • Applications open in January 2026
  • GMU Institute for Excellence A six-week academic enrichment summer bridge program at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus for rising 11th & 12th grade students in STEM or Humanities tracks for college credit. Designed to promote students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging participants to plan and act in creative and innovative ways. Free.
  • Valhen Programs
    • VLA Leadership Academy A 3-day summer residential program hosted by James Madison University for current 9th grade students to identify and apply leadership skills to a collaborative project with peers & build self-awareness and confidence. Applications due April 11. Free.
    • Valhen STEM Academy An immersive and interactive 3-day summer pre-college introduction to STEM for current 10th grade students at George Mason University. Applications due March 15. Free.
    • ¡Vamos! College Prep:  A 2-day summer residential pre-college program hosted by James Madison University for current 11th and 12th grade students who’ll prepare for college application & college life. Applications due Applications due April 1. Free.
  • Virginia Tech Engineering Pre-College Institute
    • Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering offers a number of programs designed to help you get ahead and experience engineering at this important time. Programs are available for middle school, high school, and incoming freshmen students.
  • William & Mary Pre-College Opportunities
    • A large list of opportunities for elementary through high school students
    • May have a significant cost associated with a program, particularly if they involve college credit.
    • Look for possible scholarship opportunities within each program to see if costs can be lowered.
  • MITES Summer (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) MIT University’s six-week, on-campus program immerses students in STEM degrees & careers through five rigorous math, science, and humanities courses. Open to U.S. citizens & permanent residents in 11th grade. Free.
  • NOVA Debate Camp A free Public Forum Summer Debate Camp

Wakefield

Peter Balas, Principal

1325 S. Dinwiddie Street

Arlington, VA 22206

Phone: 703-228-6700

Fax: 703-228-6760