Providing Opportunities, Leadership, and Resources to Inspire Students

Applications are now open!

*The Parental Consent form MUST be signed and returned for your application to be considered *

Thank you for your interest in the POLARIS Pre-College Program!

Overview: The POLARIS (Providing Opportunities, Leadership, and Resources to Inspire Students) Pre-College Program is a dynamic one-week program held at the US-Asia Institute’s centrally located office, which is just steps away from the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol. By offering a range of immersive activities, mentorship opportunities, and resources, POLARIS will equip high school students with the invaluable skills and experiences they’ll need for higher education and beyond. Throughout the program, students will have the chance to interact with key staff from Congress, the Administration, think tanks, businesses and more. These opportunities will offer a rare glimpse at the inner-workings of DC and be an excellent addition to any resume or college application. Finally, POLARIS offers unique access to USAI’s network which specializes in the US-Asia field, giving participants lifelong connections for continued support and guidance.

Program Objectives: 

College Readiness: While participation in POLARIS does not guarantee acceptance into top-tier universities, it aims to enhance students' applications by providing exclusive experiences and insights that may strengthen their candidacy for universities and jobs.

Career Development: POLARIS aims to assist students in identifying and pursuing the education they’ll need for their future career goals  by providing exposure to various industries, professions, and leadership opportunities. 

Confidence Building: Through interactive workshops, site tours, and other experiential learning, POLARIS fosters a supportive environment where students can develop both academically and professionally.

Key Features:

Prime Location: The USAI office is one block from the Library of Congress and the Capitol. POLARIS' students will be located in the heart of DC and experience everything the Hill has to offer.  

Firsthand Exposure: Participants will gain valuable insights into the US government and the national and international political landscape by watching and engaging with professionals in action. These special experiences will stand out on any application.

Mentorship: POLARIS connects students with mentors from diverse backgrounds who will offer guidance, advice, and support throughout the program and beyond.

Additional Support:

Snacks and Daily Lunch: Lunches and snacks are provided

Metro Cards: Metro cards are provided for convenient transportation to program-related meetings and activities. USAI is a short walk from both the Capitol South and Union Station Metro stops, giving students flexible options and commuting experience. 




2025 Cohort Program Dates and Deadlines

Priority Deadline: March 14, 2025 by 11:59pm EDT 

Final Deadline: March 28, 2025

Rolling Admissions Period: March 3, 2025 - April 18, 2025

Program Dates 2024: July 7 - July 11

Program Tuition: $1,500 (Tuition includes all programming and additional support listed above)

If you have any questions about the program, please email Director of Programs and Communications, Anna Bunn, at anna.bunn@usasiainstitute.org.

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to receive our newsletter and updates.

FOLLOW USAI

Happy Thanksgiving! This year, the US-Asia Institute is especially grateful to be celebrating 45 years of building understanding between the people and governments of the US and Asia. We are thankful for the support of our community as we continue th
Applications for the US-Asia Institute’s 10th annual Thai American National Internship Program (TANIP) are now open! Thai-American students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply by January 13th, 2025 - learn more and apply at usasiainsti
Last week, the US-Asia Institute partnered with the US-Heartland China Association to welcome more than 100 experts from the United States and China to Memphis for a Yangtze-Mississippi Regional Dialogue focused on common opportunities and challenges
Applications for the US-Asia Institute’s 4th annual Mongolian-U.S. National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP) are now open! Mongolian-American students, recent graduates, and Mongolian F-1 visa holders are encouraged to apply by January 31st, 2
Applications for the US-Asia Institute’s 6th annual IMPACT! Program for Filipino-Americans are now open! Filipino-American students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply by January 31st, 2025 - learn more and apply through the link in ou
The US-Asia Institute’s 2nd annual ASEAN Diaspora Youth Development Program (AYDP) application for summer 2025 is now open! Students and recent graduates of Southeast Asian descent are encouraged to apply by January 31st, 2025 - learn more and