Free Summer Programs

Hoops Sagrado
Program Dates: Week of July 12 to the Week of August 9, 2015
Application Deadline: April 15, 2015
Hoops Sagrado is an Adams Morgan-based youth leadership organization that gives DC high school students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend a month during the summer in the highlands of Guatemala learning another language and culture, teaching Mayan children basketball skills, developing a sense of self, and gaining a new perspective on life. The program includes intensive Spanish instruction and host family placement, as well as field trips, cultural immersion, and community service activities. Hoops Sagrado is now selecting DC high school students for the summer 2015 program. The trip is fully funded. This is really a very cool program!
For much more information and to download the application and brochure, go to the Hoops Sagrado website.



APSA China Scholars Program
Program Dates: June 27-August 3, 2015 (tentative)
Application Deadline: February 8, 2015
Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) will soon announce its 2015 China Scholars Program, an intensive five-week summer program of Chinese language and culture study in Beijing for eligible DC high school students. This will mark CGEL's eighth year working with APSA. The program includes field trips, community service, and exposure to international careers. Students must have completed at least one year of Chinese language learning prior to the program, must be US citizens in good health, and must commit to continuing Chinese in SY 2015-16. The program is fully funded; students will be responsible for passport fees, visa, and personal expenses.
For more information and to apply online, go to www.apsaglobal.org. You can also contact your Chinese teacher or Sally at [email protected]



Ruta BBVA Adventure-Study Trip
Program Dates: 5 weeks during July - August 2015
Application Deadline: February 16, 2015
This is an incredible fully-funded international summer opportunity! Ruta BBVA selects Spanish-proficient students from all over the world to participate in this five-week summer academic-adventure program exploring the Hispanic world. The 2015 program will take place in Colombia and Spain. In addition to historical and cultural study, and adventure travel, the program will also focus on contemporary social and environmental issues. Applicants must be US citizens, and born between January 1, 1996 and July 15, 1997. Student applicants should be high performing academically, in good physical condition, with advanced written and oral Spanish language abilities (heritage speakers are eligible, if US citizens). This is a very selective program - with a multi-part application process requiring considerable creativity on the part of the student applicant. Contact Sally at [email protected] if you'd like to discuss before applying. Very highly recommended!
For general information, go to www.rutabbva.com. Here's an English version.
Questions? Contact the Embassy of Spain at [email protected] or call 202-728-2335.



$ Lemkin Summit: A National Gathering of the Next Generation of Human Rights Defenders
Program Dates: Sat, February 21-Mon, February 23, 2015
Application Deadline: Now
Students and teachers interested in human rights and genocide are invited to participate in this year's Lemkin Summit, a unique opportunity to connect with university students and community activists from across the country who are taking action toward ending and preventing genocide and mass atrocities. Speakers will cover issues from women and youth in conflict to U.S. government responses to genocide and mass atrocities, as well as conflict areas, such as Burma, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Attendees will receive advocacy training. The final day of the summit will be a lobby day on Capitol Hill. A $50 registration fee is charged to cover meals and materials, but some fee waivers may be available. The program will take place at Enough Project/Center for American Progress, 1333 H Street, NW.
The priority deadline has passed. To register, go the Enough Project website. If you are a teacher or parent interested in bringing a group of students, email [email protected] right away.