Global Scholar: Washington, D.C.

Global Scholar: Washington, DC

Session 1: June 28-July 3. Based at American University, Washington, DC
Session 2 (Youth Summit): July 5-8. Based at American University, Washington DC
Generation 250 (July 4th Extension): July 3-5. Based at American University, Washington DC [Sightseeing + Extension for Scholars in Sessions 1 or 2 only]

A Civic Leadership Experience Rooted in Power, Policy, and Youth Participation

Our flagship Global Scholar experience places youth at the center of civic leadership and global decision-making. Based in Washington, DC, this residential program immerses students in the real-world systems that shape policy, democracy, and global affairs – while equipping them to influence what comes next.

Through site visits, simulations, and conversations with policy professionals, youth advocates, and movement leaders, Scholars explore urgent global challenges including climate justice, immigration, global health, and human rights. This program emphasizes both understanding how power works and learning how to use your voice responsibly, creatively, and effectively.

What You’ll Do

Learn from diplomats, policy experts, youth leaders, and frontline changemakers
Participate in simulations, think tanks, and advocacy workshops
Explore Washington, DC through visits to Capitol Hill, museums, embassies, and civic institutions
Build a capstone project or contribute to AMP’s State of Global Youth Report
Develop your voice through collaboration, debate, and impact-driven storytelling

July 4th Extension & Summit Options

Our flagship DC program runs from June 28-July 3. In addition, Scholars can choose to stay longer for our July 4 Extension (July 3-5) and/or the Global Youth Summit (July 5-8).

During the July 4th Extension, we will visit additional local universities (George Washington and Georgetown Universities), and spend July 4th sightseeing on the National Mall and experiencing one of the nation’s best fireworks displays!

The Youth Summit is a hands-on and energizing skills accelerator, during which Scholars will connect with youth from around the globe, and build skills to implement impactful programs in their communities. The Summit is based on our Youth Action Framework, featuring skills to increase trust and participation, build bridges, enhance media literacy, and more.

Scholars can select these add-on experiences during registration.

What’s Included

Residential housing at American University in Washington, DC
All meals, local transportation, and program materials
Daily programming led by expert facilitators and guest speakers
Cultural excursions and community-building activities
Access to AMP’s alumni network and year-round leadership opportunities

This Experience is Ideal For:

Youth interested in leadership, social issues, government, diplomacy, public policy, advocacy, or economic development.

Apply now!

Details and Logistics:

Who is this program for?

This program is for rising 8th-12th graders who are curious, bold, and visionary. You do not need any particular prior experience or coursework; the biggest thing we look for is curiosity and eagerness to explore urgent global challenges and become change-makers. The program is held in English.

Where will this program take place?

This summer our Washington, DC programs are based at beautiful American University. American is a lovely and historic campus, with easy access to shops, stores, and downtown Washington, DC.

Housing: Scholars stay in a secure dorm on campus alongside our program staff. Most rooms are double occupancy, with a shared bathroom on the floor. Our residential staff: student ratio is about 1:9. Laundry facilities and vending machines are available in the dorm.

Meals: While we eat many of our meals in the dining hall, we also eat in downtown Washington, D.C. on the days we are visiting offices or sightseeing. The campus also has several restaurants and shops. We are always able to accommodate special diets or allergies; please share anything we should know on your welcome survey.

Price: We are committed to ensuring as many students as possible can benefit from this life-changing experience. In addition, we are fiercely committed to charging an honest price for this experience. We are significantly more affordable than any of our peer programs. This is not due to any difference in quality of programming. Rather, we are a mission-focused non-profit organization, not a business looking to extract huge sums from students and their parents.

The application process: We offer one application for all of our programs, found here. We strive to respond to all applications within 7 days. We will send you a link to register for your chosen program/s in your acceptance email. Please make an initial deposit for the program within 2 weeks of acceptance to save your spot.

How do I apply for financial aid? We will share the financial aid application with admitted students, and release aid decisions once/month. There is no application fee.

What’s Included: The program fee includes room, board, materials and the program itself. Scholars are responsible for paying for transportation to/from Washington DC, supplemental meals or snacks, and spending money. Scholars are also expected to pay for lunch on the 3 days we are sightseeing downtown. Although it’s hard to estimate, a reasonable amount of spending money might be $50-75/week. Scholars can also opt for us to pick them up at their point of arrival (DCA or IAD airports, or Union Station) for a small transfer fee.

What else can I do with AMP Global Youth this summer? This summer, we are offering programs in Washington DC, Atlanta GA and Online. Here’s an overview:

Session 1: June 28-July 3. Based at American University, Washington, DC (weekend extension available)
Session 2 (Youth Summit): July 5-8. Based at American University, Washington DC and/or Virtual (weekend extension available)
Session 3: July 12-18. Based at Emory University, Atlanta, GA (with travel to Montgomery, AL)
Generation 250 (July 4th Extension): July 3-5. Based at American University, Washington DC [Sightseeing + Extension for Scholars in Sessions 1 or 2 only]

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We are a virtual office, so email is usually the fastest way to reach us: GlobalScholar@AMPGlobalYouth.org. We are very happy to schedule a time to speak, too!

We hope to see you in Washington this summer!

2026 Workshop Dates

Global Scholar: Washington DC

Sun June 28-Sun July 5
American University
Washington, DC

Global Scholar: Atlanta GA

Sun July 12 – Sun July 19
Emory University
Washington, DC

Global Scholar Virtual

Mon July 6 – Fri July 11
Online
Washington, DC

Program Highlights

Explore urgent global challenges

through seminars with experts. We offer unparalleled access to leaders and places where decisions get made. Click to see our speakers.

Build powerful skills

through our approach that gives you the knowledge and skills you need to become a global citizen and leader.
Click to see our impact.

Be bold and visionary

through becoming a global leader. Global Scholar builds skills that cannot be gained elsewhere, which you can immediately apply to your work and life. Click to see our curriculum.

Apply Now