Note: Not all listed programs are specifically structured for gifted students. Some programs may have a cost associated with participation. This document contains information and content supplied by third parties. Hyperlinks or references to any products, services, or websites of third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Prince William County Public Schools.
The Virginia Association for the Gifted offers summer scholarships to identified gifted students who wish to attend academic or artistic programs during the summer months. The scholarships range from $100 to $400 and are available for K-12 students. For more information, visit the VA Gifted Summer Scholarships webpage. Application dates for 2024 are not yet available.
List updated September 18, 2023.
| Program | Grade Level | Dates | Description | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWCS Summer Experience: Discover | Various | Various | PWCS is pleased to offer opportunities for students to explore interests and strengthen skills. Choose from in-person art, math, STEM, sports, and more. Dates and times vary. | PWCS Discover |
| Academic Competitions (various) | Various | Various | Academic competitions play an important part in learning for highly gifted students. They are designed to inspire and enlighten and can create enthusiasm and entice students to try their hardest, helping to maximize their abilities. The Davidson Gifted blog provides a list of academic competitions. | Davidson Gifted |
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BAE Systems Women in Technology Manassas, VA |
Women in high school |
November - February, 16 weeks |
Women in Technology (WiT) is a collaborative effort between local area high schools and BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector. WiT gives female high school students with an aptitude in math and science a practical, hands-on opportunity to explore careers in various technical disciplines. It also provides mentorship to the students to encourage and support them in their pursuit of a technical career. After completing the program, seniors who have been accepted to college with a declared major in STEM are encouraged to apply for a summer internship opportunity at BAE Systems. |
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Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology (BLAST) Summer Residential Camp
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Grades 8-9 |
Summer 2024 (dates vary by location) |
Participating students stay in a college dorm and see what campus life is like on-site at one of five universities: Old Dominion University, Radford University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or William & Mary. Students come away from BLAST with a greater sense of curiosity, deeper insight about the variety of careers that exist in STEM fields, and enhanced readiness for advanced programs in science, technology, engineering, and math. |
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Camp Woods and Wildlife Registration opens Jan. 2024 |
Ages 13-16 |
3rd week in June |
Camp Woods and Wildlife is an academic, structured, residential camp that focuses on field experiences in forestry and other natural resources. This unique camping experience introduces students to the challenges, unique skills, and knowledge needed for managing forest resources. | |
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College of William & Mary, Center for Gifted Education: Focusing on the Future |
MS and HS |
March 16, 2024 |
Focusing on the Future (FOF) exposes high-ability learners to career opportunities related to the arts, humanities, mathematics, and sciences. The program also informs parents of considerations and guidelines for effective career and academic planning. |
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College of William and Mary Center for Gifted Education: Saturday and Summer Enrichment Classes |
Grades 3-12 |
In Person: October 14, 2023 October 21, 2023 Virtual: November 4, 11, 18, 2023 |
SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning for students in science, mathematics, humanities, and arts. Course activities are compatible with the expected achievement of talented students at specific grade and age levels. |
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College of William and Mary Center for Gifted Education: Camp Launch Summer Residential Camp |
Grades 7-9 |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
Camp Launch is a two-week summer camp for rising seventh- through tenth-grade high-ability students from low-income households. Students will have the opportunity to take classes that are based upon science and writing curriculum units. |
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College of William and Mary Intro to Law Classes |
HS |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
This program gives students the opportunity to experience classes in the comfort of their homes using an interactive video conferencing platform. Classes are designed for students who are keen to explore what studying law entails, and for those who have a passion for government studies. |
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FBI Future Agents in Training - Teen Academy |
Ages 16-18 |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
Our Future Agents in Training - Teen Academy program allows high school students an opportunity to get a comprehensive look into today’s FBI. Generally, each course iteration is a minimum of eight hours but can be a week-long program with blocks of instruction and demonstrations at a local field office. Students are provided with several presentations on topics including terrorism, cyber crime, public corruption, polygraph exams, evidence response, SWAT, and the day-to-day operations of a typical FBI office. Students also learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, language specialists, and professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with cases. |
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George Mason University Summer Programs |
K-12 |
Dates vary by program |
Camp options include academics, visual/performing arts, and recreation/sports |
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MathScience Innovation Center |
K-12 |
Dates vary by program (Summer dates not yet released) |
Saturday & Summer lessons and camps are designed to thoroughly explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and math through design and build activities, hands-on experiments, and engaging problem-solving challenges. |
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National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) |
Grades 11-12 |
Summer 2024 (Hybrid; 5 days virtual then in-person) |
Programming at NYSCamp will allow delegates to delve deeper into STEM topics with experts and knowledgeable enthusiasts in multi-day mini-courses or interactive seminars, take tours of facilities like the Green Bank Observatory and National Gallery of Art, and attend world-class lectures by STEM professionals. Two delegates per state will be selected by representatives of their governor’s office to attend the camp. Housing, meals, transportation, and supplies are provided to participants at no cost. Selected delegates must commit to attending the full camp including both the virtual and in-person portions of camp. |
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Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) STEM Camps |
Grades 3-11 |
June - August Dates vary by camp |
Led by STEM teachers and college students enrolled in STEM programs, the STEM Camp program introduces Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to students. Camps are focused on hands-on, project-based learning that provides students with excellent opportunities to begin exploring STEM fields and to chart a course for future STEM education and workforce opportunities. Our STEM camp tracks include Coding, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Fabrication, Rocketry and more! |
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STEM iD Tech Camps |
Ages 7-17 |
Various dates based on program |
Kids and teens discover coding, game development, robotics, and design in an inspiring, collegiate setting. |
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United States Senate Youth Program Washington, DC |
High school juniors or seniors |
March 2-9, 2024 |
Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. Student delegates will hear major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials from the Departments of State and Defense and directors of other federal agencies, as well as usually participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science. |
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UVA Advance |
Grades 10-11 |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
UVA Advance is a four-week summer residential program for highly-motivated, rising high school juniors and seniors that offers participants an opportunity to experience college life at the University of Virginia. Participants enroll in two undergraduate courses – one core course specially designed for UVA Advance students and one elective course open to all UVA students. |
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University of Virginia Young Writers Workshop at Sweetbriar College |
Program under revision
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Not yet announced |
Participants invent, develop, and revise material using the writer’s most essential tools—language, imagination, and craft. They conference with instructors and peer writers, examine contemporary artists’ work beyond the high school canon, and become more discerning readers. Six studio workshops are offered. |
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VA Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
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Grades 11-12 |
Online modules (fall) then summer academy (Various weeks) |
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program is an interactive online science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning experience, highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Students selected to participate in the program are immersed in NASA-related research through interaction with scientists, engineers, and technologists. |
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VA Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Deadline October 24 |
Grades 11-12 |
Online modules (fall) then summer academy (Various weeks) |
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program challenges students to become part of the solution to climate change and its global impacts. Students selected to participate in the program are immersed in NASA-related research and satellite mission design through interaction with NASA scientists, engineers, and technologists. Successful completion of the course is highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Students can earn up to FIVE free, transferable, dual-enrolled college credits through Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC). |
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VA Space Coast Scholars
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Grade 10 |
Online modules (fall) then summer academy (Various weeks) |
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program for high school sophomores focusing on the science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. The program features two key elements. The first is a dynamic online science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules. Upon completion of the online program, top-performing scholars may be invited to attend a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA, where scholars will learn firsthand from NASA professionals and their partners about the latest innovative technologies and missions. |
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Virginia Space Flight Academy |
Grades 2-8 (academy) Ages 11-16 (adventure camp) |
Academy: various based on course Adventure camp: Various based on selected week |
Academy: The STEM Academy provides year-round, high-quality learning experiences; it features live & on-demand instruction, a specialized materials kit, and ongoing access to STEM professionals. Open your STEM explorer’s eyes to a world of possibilities! Adventure Camp: Space Adventure Camp is an annual week-long camp featuring aerospace, coding, and robotics held at Wallops Island, Virginia. Through this residential camp experience, students learn essential 21st-century STEM skills to become the innovators of tomorrow! |
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Virginia Summer Regional Governor’s Schools |
Various | Various | Twenty Summer Regional Governor's Schools are available throughout the state. The Summer Regional Governor's Schools exist in a variety of formats. Most often, groups of school divisions design these programs to meet the needs of their local gifted elementary and middle school students. These schools provide exciting opportunities in the arts, sciences, and humanities. (Specific program information not currently available.) | Summer Regional Governor’s Schools |
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Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s Schools |
Grades 10-11 | Summer 2024 (various dates based on location) |
Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in visual and performing arts; humanities; mathematics, science, and technology; or through mentorships in marine science, or engineering. |
Summer Residential Governor's Schools |
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Virginia Tech C-Tech2 |
Girls |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
C-Tech2 is designed to help girls explore all the engineering options at Virginia Tech. Students will participate in hands-on activities presented by faculty and graduate students from a wide variety of engineering departments and attend informational sessions on topics such as college admissions/scholarships and the engineering majors offered at Virginia Tech. Attendees will also complete a General Electric-sponsored design project culminating in a showcase on the final afternoon. |
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Virginia Tech Imagination Camp |
Grades 6-7 |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
Engineers, scientists, and college students help participants explore the world of science, technology and engineering . . . Not by watching, but by DOING! Students will spend half of the day completing an engineering design project and the other half participating in hands-on sessions exploring the many different aspects of engineering. |
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Virginia Tech Pathways for Future Engineers |
First-Generation College |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
Pathways for Future Engineers is a multi-year Virginia Tech College of Engineering program designed to support first-generation students and their families on the pathway from high school to an engineering degree. The program includes pre-college activities (while students are still in high school) as well as additional support as students pursue their undergraduate degree. |
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Virginia Tech Black Engineering Excellence (BEE VT) Applications open Dec. 2024 |
Black Students |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) |
Black Engineering Excellence at Virginia Tech (BEE VT) is a two-week summer, residential, program on campus in Blacksburg. It offers an opportunity to explore engineering while also learning about college life. While this program is designed to attract underrepresented students, we welcome the participation of any student who has a potential interest in engineering at Virginia Tech. Program activities are planned using a multicultural perspective though we place special emphasis on the African-American identity. |
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VA Tech Kids’ Tech University (KTU) Registration opens Oct. 16 |
Ages 9-12 |
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Kids’ Tech University is a semester-long event. Four sessions are held in the Winter/Spring. Each session is an all-day event that consists of an interactive morning session centered on answering a question about the world around us, a break for lunch, and an afternoon hands-on component featuring the Virginia Tech professors, students, clubs, and community. The program is now offered in person and virtually. |
Kids' Tech University |
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VCU Diversity Promoting Access to Health Sciences (P.A.T.H.S.)
|
MS and HS |
Summer 2024 (dates not yet released)
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MS: VCU Pharmacy Explorers is a half-day, week-long camp where students learn about the role of a pharmacist, explore various career pathways in pharmacy, and interact with professional students and pharmacists. HS: Pharmacy Summer Scholars provides participants with hands-on activities, interactions with health professionals, and tours. Dental Careers Exploration provides information about the educational requirements and job duties of each dental professional (dental hygienist, general dentist, and dental specialists) as well as lab activities. Allied Health Career Exploration is a two-week residential summer program for seniors interested in the health career programs offered by the VCU College of Health Professions. Participants meet weekdays for full-day department/degree program admissions information, hands-on and interactive activities, workshops on current healthcare topics, interviewing skills, resume development and more. |
VCU P.A.T.H.S. |
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VCUArts Summer Pre-College Program |
Grades 10-11 | Summer 2024 (dates not yet released) | The Summer Pre-College Program at VCUarts is a three-week residency program that offers rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to explore Richmond and their interests in the visual and performing arts. Students take classes with VCUarts faculty while developing their portfolios or preparing for an audition. | VCUArts |
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Virtual Virginia Summer Enrichment Camp |
Grades K-5 |
Dates vary by camp |
Virtual Virginia’s K–5 Summer Enrichment Camps give learners high-quality synchronous and asynchronous enrichment instruction during the summer in a variety of subjects:
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Virtual Virginia |
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Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) at George Mason University |
Grades 10-11 |
July 7-12, 2024 July 14-19, 2024 |
WJMC is a week-long experiential learning program for highly engaged high school students. Students will experience an integrated and forward-thinking approach to journalism and media while acquiring valuable “in-the-trenches” knowledge. The curriculum includes hands-on learning with industry leaders, award-winning journalists, international media outlets, and Washington insiders. |
WJMC |
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Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) at George Mason University |
Grades 10-11 | June 23-28, 2024 |
The Summit is a hands-on, interactive program that provides America’s highest-achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, and sustainability, and with the desire to explore careers in the fields of environmental science, conservation, policy, law, and engineering, with a remarkable opportunity. Students take an active role in the curriculum through explorations of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and through exclusive field visits, special access to, and activities with, researchers, scientists, directors, and staff. Students will receive one college credit for their successful completion of the Summit. |
WYSE |