Additional Enrichment Opportunities

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

• APS Advanced Academics Enrichment Opportunities Brochure  (Spanish Version/versión en español)
• APS Office of Advanced Academics & Talent Development List of Summer Enrichment Opportunities
• Virginia Association for the Gifted list of Enrichment Programs and Opportunities in Virginia
• Arlingteens – a one-stop shop for teen employment, volunteer, recreation, and health resources
  • Volunteer Opportunities in Arlington
    • More ways to volunteer with teens from Arlington Magazine
• SchooLinks Opportunity Board
  • The new APS SchooLinks Platform (go to myaccess.apsva.us) has many planning tools for college and careers.
  • Login > Click “Engage” on the lefthand toolbar > click “Opportunities” to see current internships & job postings.
    • Or “Opportunities” > click “events” to  find scholarships and colleges that are visiting Wakefield.
• 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)

• Teen STEM Cafe

  • Thursday, February 19, 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM  Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, Alexandria, VA

  • Key Details:

    • Topic: How electricity powers AI data centers and modern technology.

    • Experts: Representatives from Virginia Tech, Dominion Energy, and George Mason University.

    • Activities: Hands-on, interactive, and career-focused in engineering and technology.

    • Location: Virginia Tech Academic Building One, E Glebe Rd, Alexandria, VA 22305.

    • Target Audience: High school students.

    This free session, organized by the Chrysalis Development Group in partnership with Virginia Tech and other local experts, features hands-on activities, discussions on AI data center energy, and career insights.

• STEM DiscoveryFair
  • Saturday, February 21, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • An exciting and FREE hands-on event designed to spark curiosity and inspire learners of all ages. The fair features interactive STEM exploration activities, engaging breakout sessions for student groups, and dedicated experiences for parents and caregivers. From building and experimenting to discovering real-world science and technology in action, children of all ages will stay engaged through fun, immersive activities that make learning unforgettable for the whole family!

• 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.”
  • Counselor Registration link
• 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 summer residential program hosted by James Madison University for rising 10th & 11th grade students to identify and apply leadership skills to a collaborative project with peers & build self-awareness and confidence. Free.
  • Valhen College Institute College readiness & self-empowerment residential program hosted on a college campus for rising 11th and 12th grade students who’ll learn to overcome both real & perceived barriers to college access. 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.
• 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