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.
Program Details
Program Dates: July 3-19, 2025
Applications are closed for Summer 2025. Applicants should receive admissions decisions by April 15, 2025
"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!"
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?
Application for Caminos 2025 will open in December 2024.
The $50 fee will be waived for all Caminos al Futuro applicants.
Please read the instructions below carefully.
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 2025
2. Under the Program Information section of the application, fill in the fields with this information:
High School Graduation Year: 2026
Do you attend a D.C. Public or Charter School? (Response varies based on the applicant)
Pre-College Special Cohort: None
Select the program to which you are applying: Caminos al Futuro
3. 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? (Max 400 words)
During Caminos al Futuro, participants create Community Action Projects that address an issue relevant to Hispanics/Latinos in their community. If selected, what is an issue/topic that you would want to explore and why is it important to you and your community? (Max 400 words)
We recognize that you have experiences, interests, and/or circumstances that cannot be fully captured by your school records. Use this space to share what else our admissions committee should know about you as we review your application! (Max 250 words)
Recommendation from teacher or guidance counselor (you will need to enter their name, email and organization/institution)
4. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2025. Space is limited.
5. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email informing you of the decision.
Who is eligible to apply?
Students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for Caminos al Futuro in Summer 2025:
Currently attend high school in the US and will have finished their junior year (11th grade) by Summer 2025.
Have demonstrated their commitment to the Hispanic/Latinx community, regardless of personal identity.
Reside in the United States (regardless of citizenship status).
Able to participate in a college-level course entirely in English.
Will be under 18 years old at the start of the program on June 29, 2025.
What are the application requirements?
We consider a student's entire profile, recognizing the unique qualities, experiences, and perspectives of each applicant. While there is no GPA requirement, strong applicants have a profile similar to those admitted as undergraduate students to George Washington University. Additionally, students must be able to participate in a college-level course entirely in English.
What if I need to arrive late to or leave early from the program?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Unfortunately, given the number of applications we receive each year we have a strict deadline for our applications.
gwu [dot] edu (gwcaminos[at]gwu[dot]edu).