Caminos al Futuro is a fully funded, pre-college and residential summer program led by The George Washington University's Cisneros 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: TBD July 2026
Applications for Summer 2026 will open December 8, 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 the Latino population in the US. 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 their communities. 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 their communities back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Application for Caminos 2026 will open December 2025.
Please read the instructions below carefully.
1. Go to the Caminos al Futuro Application and complete all required sections. The application link will be available on December 8, 2025.
2. The application will lead you through all sections, which include:
Personal information
Educational information, including an academic transcript (please include fall term grades)
Recommendation from teacher or guidance counselor (you will need to enter their name and email)
Three (3) required short essay responses and an optional fourth short essay response (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 Institute, we believe that leadership takes many forms -- service and volunteering, advocacy, involvement in student organizations, etc. In narrative form, describe in what ways you have been a leader in your community.
During Caminos al Futuro, participants create Community Action Projects that address an issue relevant to their community. If selected,
What is an issue/topic you would want to explore? And
Why is it important to you and your community?
NOTE: If you have already begun a community project, please describe how you will expand or innovate your current work.
What inspires you to lead? For example, you may discuss a personal experience, event, individual you admire, a combination of these, or something else that inspires you. Do not just list your sources of information, elaborate on your answer.
Optional: We recognize that you may have experiences, interests, and/or circumstances that cannot be fully captured by your school records. Use this space to share if:
There is something on your academic record you wish to address
There is any other information about you that you believe the admissions committee should know about as we review your application
3. Applications will be reviewed beginning March 1, 2026. 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?
Students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible for Caminos al Futuro in Summer 2026:
Currently attend high school in the US and will have finished their junior year (11th grade) by Summer 2026.
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, 2026.
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).