Youth Organizations Not Affiliated with DeMatha
Disclaimer: All of the following youth organizations are Not Affiliated with DeMatha Catholic High School. It is the parents’ and students’ responsibility to perform their due diligence when looking into any of the following programs.
The purpose of this page to inform parents and students of programs in the DC and Maryland Area that they may want to explore.
More organizations will continually be added to this site as the site moderator comes across them. If you are aware of any good programs please email Mr. Sicko at ssicko@dematha.org.
International Club of DC
“We are Washington’s premier organization for internationally-minded professionals who enjoy international cultural experiences. In partnership with over 80 embassies, along with museums and other cultural organizations in Washington DC, we present a variety of private cultural and networking events for our membership in the DC area. Our events are presented with the goal of helping members share cultural experiences and meet like-minded individuals. We warmly invite you to join us as we venture out to discover your city and your world!”
DC Youth Orchestra
“DCYOP offers comprehensive group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. More than 600 students participate in group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performances each semester through our main-site programming at Takoma Education Campus as well as through our school partnerships. We are the only preK-12 program in the DC area that seeks to make high quality ensemble music education available to all students, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability.”
Non-DeMatha Clubs
Catholic Youth Organization of DC
“The Archdiocesan Youth Leadership Team (AYLT) is made up of gifted young people chosen from around The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. These youth have been recognized by their parishes and the Archdiocese as evangelizers of our faith and active witnesses to the love of Jesus Christ! AYLT represents the youth of our Archdiocese on a diocesan and national level, plays key roles in the Youth Mass of Celebration & Thanksgiving, and assists in planning youth activities across the ADW, including the LITE Retreat.”
Sierra Club Youth Groups
“The Youth Group of the DC Chapter of the Sierra Club brings together a passionate and empowered generation of environmental advocates in the District. The group engages in impactful activities that address pressing local environmental issues. By providing a platform for teens aged 14 to 18 to participate in advocacy work, community projects, and educational initiatives. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, members develop their skills, knowledge, and sense of responsibility towards our planet. Additionally, the group strives to foster a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming space that encourages the active participation of teens from all backgrounds, empowering them to become change-makers in their communities.”
Non-Dematha Youth Programs and Events
4-H
“4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.”
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
“The Center for Talented Youth, a nonprofit academic center of Johns Hopkins University, delivers academic excellence and transformational experiences to advanced learners in grades 2-12.
Founded in 1979, CTY fosters intellectual growth in exceptional students from all backgrounds and communities. As a world leader in gifted education, advocacy, and research, CTY provides:
Accredited, advanced online and on-campus courses often not found in school
Personalized instruction
An inclusive community of peers who share a passion for learning
Advanced students thrive when they accelerate their learning, challenge themselves, and follow their curiosity in a safe, supportive environment. So, whether you’re looking to get ahead in your studies, progress in a subject you love, or find a community where you can be yourself, there’s a CTY experience to help you meet your goals. Learn more about our mission and join us today.”
Smithsonian Youth Programs
“The Smithsonian offers fun and challenging experiences for K–12 kids interested in science, nature, technology, art , design, history, culture, or all of the above. These programs build confidence and skills of self-expression, communication, leadership, and provide college and career preparation in extraordinary museum environments.”
US Senate Youth Program
Rising high school juniors and seniors may obtain a USSYP application through their high school principals, school counselors and social studies teachers OR they may inquire directly to their state selection contacts using this website (see selection contacts listing on home page). All student delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program are selected by state-level education officials – the United States Senate and The Hearst Foundations do not provide individual states’ applications or choose the delegates and alternates.
The National Summer Program Fair: Washington DC
This free event for high school students and their families is occurring Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4:30-7:00PM at the Hilton Alexandria Marks Center. This in-person fair will showcase over 100 ways high school students can spend summer 2025, including on-campus pre-college programs at the nation's most prestigious universities, study abroad opportunities, STEM programs, teen travel, art/portfolio prep, test prep, and local nonprofits seeking summer volunteers.
Students and parents need to pre-register to attend and should do so now to reserve their place and receive event reminders. Students and parents will receive a QR code to show at the event for easy access.
Students Opposing Slavery: A Project of President Lincoln's Cottage
Registration is OPEN for the 2025 Students Opposing Slavery International Summit: June 22- June 28
-Participants will engage with survivors of modern slavery, abolitionists working to combat human trafficking, and each other, to create antislavery campaigns to bring back to their communities
-Application is open to students aged 15 - 24
-Lodging and meals provided
-Travel scholarships available
-Community Service hours granted
-International students should apply by March 18. The deadline for US Students is April 2.
College Sponsored Summer Programs
Summer Seminar: Naval Academy Summer Seminar
For Students Entering the 12th Grade
Summer Seminar kick-starts your Naval Academy application by giving you a taste of life at the Academy. For one week in June, you will experience first-class academic, athletic and professional training while building lifelong friendships with campers from all over the world.
Summer STEM: Science Technology Engineering and Math
For Students Entering 9th – 11th Grade
Summer STEM at the Naval Academy is a vibrant week of problem solving, exploratory learning, critical thinking, and team building for rising 9th-11th graders interested in a future in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
Catholic University of America School of Engineering
In 2025, the Catholic University of America School of Engineering will host two residential summer camps open to rising juniors and seniors in high school. Students will complete projects and have opportunities to hear from engineering professionals, researchers, and faculty members and learn more about college and career opportunities. The camps are limited to rising juniors and seniors in high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and admission is done on a rolling basis. Specific information for each camp is listed below.
Engineering New Frontiers
Offers content in each of the engineering disciplines: biomedical, mechanical, electrical, civil, and computer science, plus extracurricular activities including a tour of Washington, DC
Dates: July 21st to July 25th
Tuition: $1,800
Computational Biosciences Institute
A college credit-bearing course equivalent to a first-year computer science course
Dates: July 7th to July 16th
Tuition: $2,250
Young Terp Scholars Program
The Terp Young Scholars Program at the University of Maryland offers high school students the opportunity to take one three credit course for which a grade and credits will be earned. The course cannot be taken pass-fail or audit. The grade and credits earned post to the UMD transcript and are part of the student’s academic record.
Students will attend class, study, work on projects, prepare for exams, and interact with their peers and UMD undergraduate students in an engaging academic setting. Classes are held every day (offered online or in-person), Monday-Friday, with meeting times varying according to the specific course. Classes generally meet for three hours a day between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and may include an afternoon session.
We’re particularly excited about new offerings in eSports, forensic anthropology, neuroscience, ecological entrepreneurship and Geocomputing. We also have a number of popular courses returning in fields such as architecture, creative writing, engineering, business leadership and more.
Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. We encourage interested students to apply sooner rather than later, as certain courses fill up quickly. The deadline for application submissions is June 1st, 2025 and all applicants must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants will be asked to provide academic transcripts, health insurance information, and submit the application fee and program deposit at the time of application. For more information on our application process, please visit our website.
The University of Chicago's Summer Session brings together a global community of thinkers who are excited by interesting questions and seek to engage new ideas. Discover diverse program opportunities designed to challenge and engage curious high school students this summer across a variety of subject areas and disciplines. Within a supportive community, pre-college students are given the chance to take intellectual risks, dive more deeply into subject matter, and discuss questions that go beyond the realm of their high school curriculum, while experiencing a dynamic campus situated in scenic Hyde Park in the city of Chicago during the best season of the year — summer!