Caminos al Futuro
Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, pre-college and residential summer program led by George Washington University's Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. To be eligible, you must be a rising senior at a U.S. high school with a high-level of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to leadership in service of the Latino/Hispanic community.
During the three-week intensive program, Caminos scholars live on the GW campus and examine the social, economic and political transformations affecting the Hispanic/Latino community in a college-like environment.
Participants get a first-hand view of policymaking in the nation’s capital with visits to Congress, government agencies and leading non-profits. Scholars also participate in university-style lecture series, writing labs, and community action projects, meet with admissions specialists in a series of workshops to prepare them for the college application process.
Application Details
Program Dates: TBD (July 2024)
Application Opens: December 15, 2023
Application Closes: March 1, 2024
Informational Webinars: December 8, 2023; January 8, 2024; February 8, 2024
Join our mailing list to be alerted when the Caminos 2024 application is live!
"Living and learning in D.C. for three weeks with Caminos gave me the tools I needed for success, opportunities to grow as a Latina, and a familia I can always rely on. I will take the lessons I've learned and the knowledge I've acquired with me through college and beyond!"
Malyna Gomez Trujillo
Caminos Scholar '22
Program Highlights
Academic Lecture Series on Latinos
in the U.S.
During the Academic Lecture Series, led by Dr. Elizabeth Vaquera, scholars learn about the political and social transformations affecting Latino communities nationwide. Material includes interactive lectures, academic reading discussions and conducting research. This is an undergraduate level course in which all the Caminos Scholars are expected to engage and analyze data about Latinos in the U.S. and in their own communities.
Changing the Narrative
Writing Lab
Focused on the art of writing to get into and to succeed in college, these workshops led by Trey Johnston guide scholars through the process of creating and presenting awareness initiatives (Community Action Projects or CAP) on current issues impacting Latinos in their community. These writing workshops also incorporate discussions of identity and how language shapes modern-day interaction. Scholars present their CAP at the end of the three weeks.
College Prep Academy
GW’s University Admissions Specialists offer a series of workshops in about what college and universities look for in college applications. Some of the topics cover include: What Colleges and Universities Look For in Your Application, #CollegeAccess: The Road to a Higher Education, Scholarships, FAFSA, Building Your “College Timeline,” and Navigating College as a First-Generation Student.
Community Action Projects
Throughout the program, participants are guided through developing an action project that they present at the end of the program. These projects can range from awareness raising initiatives to direct implementation of services, but all of them focus on ways that young people can create a positive and lasting impact for Hispanic/Latinx communities back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply?
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In the Program Information section of the application, you must first select the "3-Week College Intensive" option, then choose "Caminos Al Futuro" from the options under course choices. The $50 fee will be waived for all Caminos al Futuro applicants.
1. Go to the Application Homepage and create an account to begin a new application. On the application, fill in the fields with this information:
- What type of program are you applying to?: Non-Degree
- School: Summer & Non-Degree Programs
- Field of Study: Pre-College
- Degree: Non-Degree
- Concentration: Not Applicable
- Term: Summer 2024
2. The application will lead you through all sections, which include:
- Personal information and session/program selection
- Educational information, including an academic transcript (please include fall term grades)
- Three (3) short essay responses (we encourage you to incorporate any personal information in your essays that you wish to be considered as part of your application). Examples from past years include:
- At the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, we believe that leadership takes many forms: service, advocacy, involvement in student organizations, etc. How have you demonstrated commitment to the Hispanic/Latinx community as a leader? What inspires you to lead? (400 words maximum)
- Caminos al Futuro means "paths to the future." How do you imagine your path through the next 5 years? Where do you see it heading toward or what stops are along the way? What kinds of obstacles might you encounter on it? Is there something particularly important that you bring with you on your path? (400 words max)
- What do you hope to gain from Caminos al Futuro? (250 words max)
- Recommendation from teacher or guidance counselor (you will need to enter their name, email and organization/institution)
3. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2024. Space is limited.
4. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email informing you of the decision.
- Who is eligible to apply?
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Students currently attending high school in the U.S. who will have finished their junior year (11th grade) by Summer 2024 and who have demonstrated their commitment to the Hispanic/Latinx community. Citizenship is not considered, but students must reside within the United States.
- What if I need to arrive late to or leave early from the program?
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Because the program is only three-weeks long, we unfortunately cannot accept anyone who will miss any part of the program.
- When will I find out if I got in?
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Our review committee strives to release results by April 15th each year. Everyone receives an answer whether or not they are accepted. We ask that you do not call the office to inquire about your application status.
- Does it cost money to apply?
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No! When you go through the instructions listed in the "How to Apply" section you will be given a fee waiver for the application.
- Does it cost money to participate in the program?
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No! The program is fully funded. Your lodging, transportation to and from GW, meals, and tuition are covered. Students will have some opportunities to explore D.C. and will want to have their own funds for those activities.
- Do you accept late submissions?
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Unfortunately, given the number of applications we receive each year we have a strict deadline for our applications.
- Do you have any application tips?
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Check out our "Advice from an Alumna" (PDF) for tips on creating a strong application.
- Who can I contact if I have further questions?
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For questions about the application process, contact Summer & Non-Degree Programs at [email protected] or 202-994-6360.
For all other questions not in this list, send an email to [email protected].