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 25-26 update coming soon)
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.
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
- Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST)
  - Open to current 8th-9th grade students
  - Free program designed with hands-on STEM experiences. Over the course of three days, participants will stay in college dormitories and engage in dynamic STEM activities, with no prior experience required.
  - Access to high-quality, immersive STEM experiences
  - Applications: Open December 1 – February 1
  - Flyer with more details
- Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS)
  - Open to current 10th grade students
  - Free program focusing on the science, technology, engineering, and math integral to current missions at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport.
  - Online Course Applications: Due October 26
  - Requires a teacher’s letter of recommendation and counselor help — start early!
  - Flyer with more details
- The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
  - Open to current 11th-12th grade students
  - VASTS is a free competitive program
  - Take an online NASA-developed course from December through May. Students learn about a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills.
  - Based on course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all-expense paid seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center.
  - Online Course Applications: Due October 26
  - Requires a teacher’s letter of recommendation and counselor help — start early!
  - Flyer with more details
- The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS)
  - Open to current 11th-12th grade students
  - FREE program that challenges the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to one of the most significant issues faced by society: climate change and its global impacts.
  - Online course — earn dual enrollment college credit in GOL 105
  - Based on performance in course, scholars may be selected to participate in a 7-day NASA Summer Academy with additional dual-enrollment college credit for GOL 199.
  - Online Course Applications: Due October 26
  - Requires a teacher’s letter of recommendation and counselor help — start early!
  - Flyer with more details
Folger Shakespeare Library Student Fellowship
- Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the Lily McKee High School Fellowship is a joyful, deep, and rigorous experience for high school students from the greater Washington, DC area. Arom January to May 2026, McKee Fellows will engage deeply with research, scholarship, and performance to explore As You Like It, guided by the rich resources and vibrant community of the Folger Shakespeare Library. The McKee High School Fellowship will culminate in a multidimensional project where fellows will utilize a work from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s collection as a point of departure for their own creative and intellectual endeavors.
- Applicants should have a strong interest in at least one of the following: literature, museums, libraries, history, drama, the humanities, or Shakespeare. Prior experience with Shakespeare is not required.
- The McKee Fellowship requires a significant investment of time and effort. Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend in recognition of their work and upon completion of the program.
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis through December 2nd, 2025.
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. We’re pleased to announce that we will be offering both levels of our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP I & II) for the Fall 2025 session.
- 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
- ELP II is a free, year-long mentorship program specifically for seniors. Each student is matched with a recent college graduate who supports them through the entire college application process—including:
  - FAFSA/VASA completion
  - Finding and applying for scholarships
  - Fulfilling volunteer hours
  - College decision-makingMeetings are virtual and scheduled based on student availability, making it flexible and accessible.
  - ELP II 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