Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What makes a National Geographic Student Summit unique?

When you participate in a Student Summit, you'll enjoy behind-the-scenes access to National Geographic Headquarters, and discover Washington, D.C. through the lens of National Geographic explorers, photographers, writers, and journalists.

What sites/organizations will we visit?

You will visit the monuments and museums that make our nation's capital so exciting and participate in hands-on experiences at science centers, nonprofit foundations, news organizations, performance venues, and, of course, National Geographic Headquarters. Each Summit also includes a community service component — it's an action-packed week!

Additionally, your teacher will be customizing your D.C. experience and will provide a detailed itinerary prior to departure. To see a sample week schedule now, click here.

Who participates in a Summit program?

In addition to your classmates and teachers, once you arrive in D.C. you will meet with other Summit groups of a similar age from around the country. During the week, your group will be led by a dynamic team of Student Summit Expedition Leaders, who are experts on D.C. and all it has to offer.

What about health and safety?

When in D.C., you will be accompanied by your teachers and a highly-trained Expedition Leader. Bus transportation is provided by reliable, bonded, and certified providers, and the Student Summit tuition includes travel insurance that provides supplemental emergency medical insurance, as well as insurance for cancellations due to non pre-existing sickness and injury. In the event that emergency medical care is necessary, doctor "house call" service is available, as well as expedited access to emergency room facilities.

Where will we stay? Where will we eat?

You will stay at nationally recognized area hotels located a short bus ride from downtown Washington, D.C. Breakfasts and some dinners will be at the hotel. Most lunches will be at D.C. restaurants and food courts. Local conference facilities will be used for morning meetings, activities, and talks with National Geographic experts.

How will we get to Washington, D.C.?

Your group will travel together on a national carrier from your home airport to Washington, D.C and return.

How to Sign Up

How do I sign up?

If a teacher from your school is leading a Student Summit program, they will give you a Summit Code to enter on this page and you will be guided through the sign-up process. If a teacher from your school is not yet leading a Student Summit program, let them know about this opportunity to spend a fun and educational week in Washington, D.C.!

Can international groups participate?

Certainly! We are happy to help international groups participate in the Student Summit programs. Please have an interested teacher from your school contact us (see contact information below) and we will determine program feasibility.

How much does the Summit program cost?

The Student Summit tuition depends on the exact details of your Summit week (length, group size, and time of year), and includes all meals, lodging, activities, materials, taxes, tips, transportation while in D.C, and participation of National Geographic experts and highly trained expedition leaders. Once your teacher finalizes the details of your Student Summit week, he or she will provide you with the exact tuition and specific deposit deadlines for your program. Registration and all payments may be made online.

What if I have other questions?

We would be happy to answer them! Please via email or call us at (917) 668-2609.