Washington, D.C.
Apply NowSmithsonian Student Travel | On Campus | Washington, D.C.
Embark on a transformative adventure this summer in the nation’s capital, where history, culture, and science come alive. On this week-long high school program, join like-minded and intellectually curious peers in Washington, D.C., home to 19 of the Smithsonian’s most distinguished museums, cultural institutions, and research centers, for insider experiences that access the vast resources the Smithsonian has to offer. Based on a centrally located campus, focus on a seminar of your choosing and explore relevant, compelling topics and themes through the Smithsonian lens.
Complement your seminar experience with field visits to world-renowned museums, galleries, and research facilities, engage with subject-matter experts, professional educators, historians, guides, and curators, and go in-depth with your chosen theme. With the nation’s capital as your classroom and a treasure trove of Smithsonian knowledge at your disposal, unearth history, discover unexpected connections, and draw your own conclusions. Expand your horizons as you gain new knowledge, explore a passion or interest, and learn how to hone new or existing skills to help shape the future. A certificate of successful completion will be issued from the Smithsonian at the completion of each week.
All programs that include Washington, D.C., are contingent on the reopening of Smithsonian Institution museums.
Highlights
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Go behind the scenes in conversation with subject-matter experts
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Meet with experts and learn firsthand how our culture gets preserved
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Paddle on the Potomac and play frisbee on the National Mall
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Debate how specific artifacts speak to the ideals of our nation
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Arrival Day
Washington, D.C. ● 7 days
Throughout the program, work on an independent project and contribute what you find to the Smithsonian Learning Lab, a curated digital resource of all the Smithsonian has to offer. Your discoveries will live on for future students to explore and build upon, continuing to diffuse knowledge summer after summer.
At the end of the week, enjoy a final full-group celebration with instructors and peers to reflect on the experiences and knowledge gained. A certificate of successful completion will be issued from The Smithsonian at the end of each week-long session.
Read more about seminar-specific activities in the seminar descriptions below.
Departure Day
Seminars
Air & Space
Engineering & the Race to Mars
Seminar Description »
Deepen your understanding of the history of flight. Consider the scientific voyage from understanding the mechanics of birds wings to the creation of the Wright Flyer, as well as the connections between the exploration of the deep ocean and outer space. Visit the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and learn how the science and technology of air travel has evolved into the modern era of space exploration. Meet with historians and scholars to learn about the profound impacts this field has made on history and popular culture alike. Debate the ethics of deep space exploration and better understand the challenges and benefits of colonizing other planets in our solar system.
Entrepreneurship
Business & American Ingenuity
Seminar Description »
Capitalism is the cornerstone of American economic philosophy. From idea, to invention, to startup, the bootstrapping entrepreneur occupies an influential place in the American narrative. Through visits to Smithsonian museums and hands-on experiences alongside business executives, deepen your comprehension of how business has shaped our worldview. Debate the importance of small, family-run businesses against the power and influence of multinational corporations. Compare capitalism to other economic philosophies, consider its successes and failures at particular historical moments, and experience firsthand how American innovation has laid the foundation for future endeavors.
Race & Social Justice
Building a More Equitable Future
Seminar Description »
Wildlife & Conservation
Protecting Ecosystems & Promoting Biodiversity
Seminar Description »
Scientists argue that the world is currently going through a period of climate change, geologic instability, and mass extinction. Explore these topics and more as you expand your understanding of wildlife conservation and sustainability, with the resources of the Smithsonian to guide you. As the largest research complex in the world, the Smithsonian offers unprecedented insight into the ecological future of our planet. Visit the National Zoo and the National Museum of Natural History and see firsthand how wildlife populations are being managed, protected, and restored in habitats around the globe. Through independent projects, discussion panels, and lively debates, gain the skills necessary to become advocates for conservation initiatives back home.
Art & Influence
Art, Culture, & American Identity
Seminar Description »
View rare masterpieces and explore how art shapes American culture and identity. Create your own works in drawing, painting, and sculpture workshops with local experts, and learn the discipline it takes to create meaningful pieces. Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery and discover what a single artwork can tell us about a specific moment in American history, and the ideals of a nation. View the works of U.S.-based artists and discuss how art speaks to the issues of our time, and how art and social justice interact. Finish your seminar with a gallery opening of your own, sharing your work and deeper understanding with your fellow students.
American Democracy & Media
Elections & the Mechanics of a Democracy
Seminar Description »
With the nation’s capital as your classroom, explore the past, present, and future of American democracy. Deepen your understanding of the founding of our country with a visit to the National Museum of American History. Discuss the principles behind the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and debate whether the same founding ideals are relevant in the 21st century. Climb the steps of the Capitol to meet with legislators and see democracy in action. Hold panel discussions on the role media plays in the political arena, and form your own opinions on social media’s role in regulating information. By deepening your understanding of presidential philosophy, party platforms, and election cycles since America’s founding, come away with the tools necessary to help shape the political future of this country.
Technology & Innovation
Engineering, Robotics, & Artificial Intelligence
Seminar Description »
Writing & Digital Storytelling
Seminar Description »
Linking Sessions
Students can link multiple sessions of this program and will receive a $500 discount. There will be options for off-campus excursions, activities and programming during the days in-between sessions. Students who choose to stay over in between sessions may choose to participate in on-campus programming and activities, which is included in the tuition, or an off-campus overnight excursion, for which there is a supplemental fee.
What to Expect
Residential & Day Students
This program is open to both residential and day students. Residential students reside on campus for the duration of the program and three meals a day are covered by their tuition. Day students travel from their homes each morning to meet their seminar group after breakfast and remain with their group throughout the day. Day students return home after dinner and the evening activity every night. Lunch and dinner are included in day-student tuition.
A Day On Campus
Due to the dynamic nature of this summer program, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day on the Smithsonian On Campus program.
8am Enjoy breakfast with peers and leaders on campus
9am Meet your seminar group for a visit to one of the Smithsonian’s prestigious museums
12:30pm Break for lunch with a small group of peers at one of D.C.’s many restaurants and cafes
2pm Head out for an afternoon activity, like playing frisbee on the National Mall, exploring the waterfront, or riding bikes through Rock Creek park
6pm Reconvene with the larger group back on campus for dinner
7pm Reflect on the day at the nightly Community Meeting
7:30pm Venture out for your chosen evening activity, such as an open air concert in the park, a visit to the Reflecting Pool in front of the Capitol, or a night photography shoot along the Potomac
10:30pm Return to campus for the evening
11pm Lights out.
Physical Activity
Accommodations
Climate
Meals
Sign up for two programs & save $500!
$300 tuition discount + no application fee