The application for Summer 2026 is open!
Application are due February 2, 2026!
Eligibility Criteria
Must be enrolled in a DMV high school
Must be a rising junior or senior
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident
Application Components
1. Submit a completed application. Click the “APPLY HERE” button below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2. Submit the documents below with your application in PDF, .doc, or .docx format.
1-2 page personal statement that answers the question “Why do you want to participate in the METEOR v 3 program?”
1-2 page writing sample of your choice:
An example from school: You may submit a recent piece of writing you have submitted for a grade in school.
A personal essay: You may submit a 2-page document in which you tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
Another essay: You may submit a document in which you write about a topic of your choice.
3. Submit your most recent official transcript.
4. Two recommendation letters: one from your science teacher and one from a guidance counselor or another teacher.
Both letters must be submitted via the “SUBMIT TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS HERE” button below as a PDF, .doc, or .docx. We recommend you send your teachers the link.
Your teachers may also send recommendation letters directly to Rachel Smilow, Program Manager, at rsmilow@childrensnational.org.
Next Steps
A committee will review each application
Interview Day will be held in March by invitation only
Selections will be made in April
Program runs from June 22nd-August 7th