GW Summer Scholars has two residential programs for high school students: a six-week precollege program for high school juniors and two-week mini-courses for students in grades 9–11.

The six-week residential program offers a unique opportunity for participants to jumpstart their college career and earn credit in college-level courses at a top-ranked university. In addition to their complete integration into an intensive academic course with undergraduate students, Summer Scholars participate in a writing program, academic exploration, admissions and enrichment seminars, and exciting excursions in Washington, D.C., and the greater metropolitan area.

Noncredit mini-courses are available to students who are in grades 9–11. The courses, taught by faculty members, are intensive seminars and workshops designed to help students explore potential fields of interest.

The GW Summer Scholars program draws upon the wealth of cultural and educational opportunities available in Washington, D.C., and the greater metropolitan area to expand upon the range of academic possibilities and extracurricular activities available to participants.