If you’re a high school student in Washington interested in exploring a subject at the college level, a pre-college program is an excellent way to do so. These programs help you develop new skills, gain hands-on experience in areas that interest you, and learn from experts. They usually take place during the summer, which keeps you learning even when classes are out.
Some programs are structured like real college courses, complete with lectures, group projects, and workshops, and may even offer college credit. Whether you’re working toward a specific goal or just exploring options, a pre-college program can help you gain experience and figure out what you want to study in college.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 great pre-college programs for high school students in Washington.
1. University of Washington’s Changemakers in Computing
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Engineering, Coding, College Preparation
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,200 education stipend
Application Deadline: March 6 – April 3
Dates: July 7 – July 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors who attend high school in Washington State
Hosted by the University of Washington’s Allen School, UW’s Changemakers in Computing focuses on how technology connects with society and justice. The program focuses on increasing access to computer science and engineering for underrepresented, economically disadvantaged, and/or future first-generation college students. You’ll join a Mentee group led by a current UW undergraduate Mentor. Through hands-on, culturally relevant projects, you’ll build coding and problem-solving skills, learn about different areas of computing, and see how tech can be used to drive change. You’ll also get guidance to help you keep learning beyond the program. The program includes direct mentorship, career exploration, and chances to connect with professionals and changemakers from different backgrounds. You’ll also receive guidance on preparing for college, affording it, and exploring potential career paths.
2. University of Washington’s Young Executives of Color (YEOC)
Subject Areas: College Preparation, Business, Accounting, Marketing, Professional Development
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February – May 31
Dates: 9 months from September to May
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors from any Washington state high school; A 3.0 GPA or higher is preferred but not required; First-generation students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply
The Young Executives of Color (YEOC) program will help you prepare for college applications and scholarships while introducing you to various business fields and careers. Once a month, you’ll spend a Saturday on the UW campus taking part in professional development activities, business challenges, and lectures. Seniors can even compete for EY YEOC scholarships and other prizes. Each session has a theme, such as accounting or marketing, and typically includes a keynote speaker, a business activity or challenge, a college prep workshop, and a professional development session. You’ll be paired with a YEOC mentor who will support you at each session and check in with you twice a month outside of the program. If you need extra help, like tutoring or test prep, YEOC will connect you with partner organizations. You’ll also get the chance to meet professionals from companies like Ernst & Young, Microsoft, and Adidas.
3. University of Washington’s UDOC Summer Program
Subject Areas: Health Careers
Location: Virtual and in person at the University of Washington Seattle campus, WA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 17
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students in Washington who are currently enrolled and will finish their junior year by July 1; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The University of Washington’s UDOC program is a free six-week summer education experience designed for high school juniors interested in exploring careers in health. The program is split into two parts: three weeks of virtual learning and three weeks of in-person activities on the UW campus. During UDOC, you’ll explore a wide range of health fields such as medicine, dentistry, public health, pharmacy, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, and research. The program includes hands-on activities that provide practical experience and offer insight into what it’s like to work in these careers. You’ll also receive mentorship from professionals and students in the healthcare field, providing you with guidance and insights on your future goals.
4. University of Washington’s Engineering Academy
Subject Areas: Engineering Fields
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March – April 27
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors attending school in the greater Seattle area; No previous engineering experience or knowledge is required
The University of Washington’s Engineering Academy is a free, week-long summer program that allows students to explore careers in engineering. You will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on design challenges, go on campus tours, and connect with UW engineering students and faculty. You will spend each day on the UW Seattle campus from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You’ll have an opportunity to observe how different branches of engineering affect the world and learn more about UW’s undergraduate engineering programs.
5. Gonzaga University’s SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP)
Subject Areas: Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, College Preparation
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: July 6 – July 11
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
Gonzaga University’s SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP) introduces high school students interested in math and science to college life and careers in engineering and computer science. The program includes hands-on projects, campus tours, and a look into what it’s like to work as an engineer or computer scientist. As a participant, you’ll be able to explore subjects like math, engineering, and computer science, and take part in research rotations with four Gonzaga faculty members and their students. Activities include using makerspace tools, working on engineering and computer science projects, and presenting your work at a research symposium. You’ll also have meals and conversations with professionals in the field, get mentoring, tour engineering and computer science facilities, and attend workshops on preparing for college and STEM careers. There will also be sessions on admissions and financial aid at Gonzaga. Only 16 students will be selected for the program.
6. Seattle University’s Summer Business Institute
Subject Areas: Business, Financial Literacy, College Preparation
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free (Except for the $50 registration deposit)
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 19 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11; Students from historically marginalized groups are especially encouraged to participate
Seattle University’s Albers Pre-College Summer Business Institute (SBI) is a credit-earning summer program that allows you to explore various areas of business through hands-on learning. You’ll attend lectures, work on team projects, network, visit companies, and engage in various other activities. Upon completion, you’ll earn two college credits. The program offers digital resources and support to help with college planning, career development, and financial literacy after you complete the institute. This program also enables you to explore business opportunities and build the confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial goals. Many SBI graduates have gone on to college and even started their own businesses.
7. University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Arts, Mathematics, Engineering
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June 1
Dates: June 26 – July 24
Eligibility: Public school students in grades 7-12 in Tacoma and Pierce County who are first-generation college students, from underrepresented groups, or who qualify for free or reduced lunch
The University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge (SAC) is a free, four-week program that offers a hands-on, project-based STEAM curriculum. As a participant, you’ll explore how science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math connect to the world around you. You’ll work in teams on projects, attend writing and presentation workshops, go on field trips, and take part in special events, all designed to help you build skills, explore new interests, and prepare for the next school year and beyond. Each summer focuses on a theme. Past themes have included robotics, salmon survival, and sustainability, with projects such as building models, coding, conducting experiments, and connecting your learning to broader ideas.
8. Young Scholars Program–Reach at the University of Washington
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Neuroethics, Neural Engineering, Scientific Communication
Location: Virtual or in person at the University of Washington Seattle Campus, WA
Cost: $500 (in person); $100 (virtual)
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: July 14 – July 18
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors
The Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington offers a five-day YSP-REACH program for high school students to explore neural engineering, including medical devices and brain-computer interfaces. You’ll learn about neuroscience, neural engineering, neuroethics, scientific communication, and the latest in brain-computer tech. The program also includes lab tours in departments like Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Only 22 students will be selected for the in-person program, but those not selected will be invited to join the virtual version. The in-person session runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while the virtual session runs from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
9. University of Washington’s STEP – Students Exploring Pharmacy
Subject Areas: Pharmacy, Medicine, Healthcare
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $100 non-refundable program fee
Application Deadline: April 30
Dates: July 14 – July 17
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12, including incoming freshmen and graduating seniors; Rising juniors and seniors are preferred
The Students Exploring Pharmacy (STEP) program gives you the chance to participate in hands-on activities, learn about pharmacy practice, and see how pharmacists help improve health beyond just giving out medications. You’ll attend interactive presentations, labs, discussions, tours, and workshops, and learn about health information, basic medication compounding, ways to treat illnesses, improving medication care, and clinical skills. UW School of Pharmacy faculty will lead classes and activities. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with pharmacists from various specialties and meet faculty members and current pharmacy students. This program offers you the opportunity to explore various pharmacy careers and gain hands-on experience in the field of pharmacy and healthcare.
10. Seattle University’s Pre-College AI for Equity Summer Program
Subject Areas: AI, Machine Learning, Technology, Criminal Justice
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500; Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade students
The Seattle University AI for Equity program gives you the chance to examine the intersection of modern technology and criminal justice issues, including bias and fairness. You’ll learn the basics of artificial intelligence and machine learning, how AI is used in criminal justice, and the main ethical challenges involved. During the program, you’ll look at solutions both technically and through a social justice perspective, create AI projects to address social problems, and study machine learning fundamentals. You’ll also evaluate different machine learning methods on common datasets and hear from guest speakers from the Seattle area. Upon completing the program, you will earn college credit.
11. University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs – Writing for College Readiness
Subject Areas: Writing and College Preparation
Location: Online or in person at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $700 (in person); $780 (online); Nonrefundable $50 registration fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: June 30 – July 11 (in person); July 14 – July 25 (online)
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade students with strong English language skills
UW’s Writing for College Readiness program helps high school students strengthen their writing and learning skills to prepare for college-level work. Through regular writing practice, you’ll build confidence and develop important skills like research, argumentation, and revision. With support from your instructor and classmates, you’ll work on growing your writing voice and getting ready for future writing tasks. You’ll learn to write in different styles, give and receive feedback both one-on-one and in groups, and put together a portfolio of your work. You’ll also explore ways to get started with creative writing and learn techniques to develop your own voice.
12. University of Washington’s INSIGHT High School Program
Subject Areas: Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Research, College Preparation
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,200
Application Deadline: May 19
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 or who have recently graduated
The University of Washington’s INSIGHT High School Program is a four-week summer program that introduces you to public health, biomedical research, and medicine, with a focus on injury and violence prevention. You’ll explore health disparities and social justice through field research, data collection, and analysis. You’ll complete a capstone project on a set topic and work on a collaborative public health research project to develop basic research experience. The program includes resume and presentation workshops, public speaking training, and virtual seminars on injury prevention and management. You’ll also take part in remote social activities, a communication workshop on drowning prevention, and hear from INSIGHT undergrads, healthcare professionals, and community speakers. At the end, you’ll present your capstone at an online symposium and receive a Certificate of Completion.
13. Seattle University’s Pre-College Urban Sustainability Summer Program
Subject Areas: Environmental Science, Sustainability, Ecology, Environmental Justice
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500; Scholarships are available
Application Deadline: April 25
Dates: July 27 – August 1
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th grade students
Seattle University’s Pre-College Urban Sustainability Summer Program is designed for high school students interested in exploring careers in environmental science and environmental justice. Activities are based on SU’s biology, chemistry, environmental studies, environmental science, and environmental engineering programs. You’ll study ecosystem services in cities and learn about sustainable building design, covering energy, water, and materials, as well as testing water quality for ecosystem health. You’ll collect underwater soil samples to examine biodiversity, explore environmental justice, and think about how to address related issues. You’ll also gather and analyze data on marine life, use infrared tools to spot plastic pollution, learn about wastewater treatment, green stormwater systems, and how urban wildlife moves around.
14. University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs — Introduction to Math Modeling
Subject Areas: Mathematical Modeling, Science, Engineering, Business, Research
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $995 + A nonrefundable $50 registration fee
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 14 – July 25; July 28 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th-grade students who understand basic algebra
UW’s Introduction to Math Modeling program will allow you to explore how math is used to understand and predict phenomena in science and engineering, such as the spread of diseases, the movement of ocean waves, fluctuations in stock prices, and the flow of air around airplanes. The course combines lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and projects to provide a comprehensive learning experience. You’ll also meet professionals from different fields who use math in their work. For your final project, you’ll get to explore or expand on a math model discussed in class. You’ll learn how math is used in science, business, and research, how to solve algebra problems confidently, and understand why solutions work and what they mean. You’ll also get familiar with math modeling terms, differential equations, and ways to spot patterns using algebraic, geometric, and graphical reasoning.
15. ALA Evergreen Girls State
Subject Areas: Government, Politics, Leadership
Location: Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA
Cost: $530; Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available
Application Deadline: June 22
Dates: June 22 – June 27
Eligibility: High school girls in Washington State who have finished their junior year
ALA Evergreen Girls State is a week-long program for Washington high school girls who have completed their junior year, focusing on hands-on learning about government. You’ll take on roles as leaders in a mock state, forming cities, joining one of two mock political parties, running elections, passing laws, and solving local issues to present to the Governor’s cabinet. Two participants are selected to attend Girls Nation in D.C. You’ll participate in simulated sessions of city, county, and state government, mock trials, legislative work, and Americanism activities, such as flag ceremonies and POW/MIA observances. The program also includes guest speakers, city competitions, and time for presentations and recreation. Participants who complete the full session can earn 6 college credits and will receive a certificate at the graduation ceremony.
Bonus Programs:
1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: Computer Science, Psychology, Environmental Science, Medicine, Economics, Chemistry, Biology, Data Science, Physics, International Relations, Business, Engineering, and more.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the upcoming summer cohort deadline is June 23
Dates: The program runs in four cohorts: spring (March – June), summer (June – August), fall (September – December), and winter (December – February)
Eligibility: High school students who hold an unweighted GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a 12-week opportunity for high school students to dive into a topic they’re passionate about by working on an independent research project with the help of a PhD mentor. You can choose from a broad range of subjects across STEM, humanities, and social sciences. The program includes research method workshops and provides support for writing a full-length research paper. If you successfully complete the program, you may also be eligible for UCSD credit. In addition to working one-on-one with your mentor, you’ll get guidance from a writing coach to help you develop and refine your research topic. Some of the subjects you can explore include Math, Astrophysics, History, Computer Science, Gender Studies, Biology, Physics, Linguistics, Neuroscience, etc. You can find application details here.
2. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: Data Science, Engineering, Programming, AI, Machine Learning
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; The upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is June 22
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year
Eligibility: AI Scholars is open to all high school students; The AI Fellowship is for students who either have some experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI offers programs for high school students interested in learning about artificial intelligence. Started by Harvard researchers, the programs are led by instructors from top universities like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Princeton. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session introductory course that covers the basics of AI, machine learning, and data science through hands-on projects that tackle real-world problems.
If you already have some programming experience, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers a more advanced option. You’ll work one-on-one with a university mentor, someone experienced in AI or machine learning, to develop a research project. A publication team will help you prepare your work for submission to high school research journals. You’ll also learn how AI is applied in areas like finance and environmental science. You can explore past student projects here.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – University of Washington