Looking to make your summer productive? Seattle offers a range of programs where you can explore interests, gain practical experience, and prepare for future studies or careers. Whether you’re drawn to STEM, environmental science, humanities, or the arts, these programs provide learning and skill-building opportunities.
This list includes internships, pre-college courses, research mentorships, and workshops across various fields. Each program is designed to help you engage with your chosen subject, connect with experts, and apply what you learn. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
12 Fantastic Summer Programs for High School Students in Seattle, Washington (WA)
1. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Subject Areas: Data science, biology, chemistry, political theory, psychology
Eligibility: High school students, typically in 10th or 11th grade with a 3.67+ GPA. Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, public health and safety, social psychology, and medicine. It is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers a choice between quantitative and qualitative research!
Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student.
The program includes a letter of recommendation for every student, plus comprehensive feedback on projects that can assist with future work and college applications. Apply here!
2. Summer Business Institute
Subject Areas: Business, Marketing, Management, Finance
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: High schoolers in 9th grade to 11th grade particularly students from underrepresented communities interested in business
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
The Summer Business Institute (SBI) at Seattle University introduces high school students to key business concepts, including marketing, finance, and management. Through workshops, case studies, and group projects, you learn to analyze problems, develop solutions, and build foundational business skills. The program focuses on leadership and teamwork, offering opportunities to work with faculty and business professionals while exploring potential careers in the field.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Subject Areas: STEM, humanities, and social sciences
Location: Remote
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 3.3 out of 4 GPA
Application Deadline: Summer deadlines are usually in March, April, and May.
Program Dates: June to August (summer). Fall, winter, and spring cohorts are also available.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program, founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, offers high school students the opportunity to work one-on-one with PhD mentors to develop an independent research project in their subject area. If selected, you will work closely with mentors to develop a college-level research paper based on your project. You’ll also receive support from writing coaches to refine your work and enhance your skills.
In your application, you can choose your subject track, like public health, and focus on a specific area such as astrophysics to tailor your research experience.
4. Seattle University’s AI for Equity
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, Social Justice, Technology
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: High school students interested in technology and social impact
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: $1,200 (scholarships available)
The AI for Equity program at Seattle University introduces high school students to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its implications for social equity and justice. You will explore AI concepts like machine learning and natural language processing while examining ethical issues and biases inherent in technology. Through collaborative projects and discussions, you gain technical insights and learn how to use AI responsibly to promote equity across different fields.
5. SPARKSIP Summer Mentorship Program
Subject Areas: STEM, Engineering, Computer Science, Healthcare, Professional Development
Location: Seattle, WA (various partner locations)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12) who reside in the US
Application Deadline: TBA – Summer applications open in March or April
Program Dates: Varies by project
Cost: Varies by project
The SPARKSIP Summer Mentorship Program connects you with mentors in STEM fields, providing hands-on experience in areas like engineering, computer science, and healthcare. You’ll work on real-world projects, develop technical skills, and explore career options with guidance from industry professionals. This program helps you build practical skills, gain insight into STEM careers, and grow your professional network.
6. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Data Science
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center allows you to gain hands-on experience in cancer research, genetics, and computational biology. You will work with research mentors on real projects, learning lab techniques and data analysis tools to study how biological processes and cancer work. This program gives you hands-on research experience and prepares you for a future in biomedical fields.
7. Research Training Program for High School Students
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Data Science
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free; participants receive a stipend
The Research Training Program at Seattle Children’s Research Institute offers high school students hands-on experience in biomedical research, focusing on molecular biology, genetics, and clinical research methodologies. You will work alongside research scientists in labs, engaging in projects that use techniques like DNA analysis, cell culture, and bioinformatics. This program equips you with practical research skills and insights into scientific careers, providing mentorship and experience in a professional research environment.
8. Young Scholars Program (YSP) – REACH
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, Neural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Eligibility: High school student who can commit to full program participation
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: $500 (in-person) | $100 (virtual)
The Young Scholars Program (YSP)-REACH at the University of Washington introduces students to neural engineering and neuroscience through hands-on research and mentorship. The program will take place in university labs, using cutting-edge techniques in neurobiology and biomedical engineering to explore how the brain interacts with technology. This program aims to develop technical skills in lab research and analytical thinking, offering you an opportunity to experience interdisciplinary research in neuroscience and engineering.
9. SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP)
Subject Areas: Engineering, Applied Science, Robotics, Design
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Eligibility: Female high school students with an interest in engineering and applied sciences
Application Deadline: N/A – notifications sent by March 31.
Program Dates: July 6-11
Cost: Free
The SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP) at Gonzaga University provides high school students who identify as female with foundational experience in engineering and applied sciences through hands-on projects and collaborative learning. You will tackle real-world engineering challenges in areas like robotics, 3D modeling, and sustainable design. The program helps you build problem-solving skills while introducing you to core engineering principles. You’ll also receive guidance from faculty and connect with current engineering students for a deeper understanding of the field.
10. Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Subject Areas: Mathematics, Science, Technology, Engineering
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Eligibility: Middle and high school students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, primarily Tacoma Public Schools students
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
The Summer Academic Challenge (SAC) at the University of Puget Sound is designed to empower you with an intensive STEM learning experience, focusing on developing analytical skills in mathematics and science. Through project-based learning, you will tackle complex, real-world problems, refining your critical thinking and collaboration abilities. The program encourages curiosity and a strong STEM foundation, supporting underrepresented students as they explore future academic and career possibilities.
11. Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Summer University
Subject Areas: Technology, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, College Preparation
Location: Seattle, WA
Eligibility: High school students, particularly from underrepresented communities in Seattle
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Summer University offers high school students a dynamic blend of college preparation, technology training, and leadership development. There will be workshops covering entrepreneurship, digital skills, and academic readiness, preparing you for future educational and career opportunities. The program fosters essential skills in problem-solving and leadership, with mentorship from community leaders and professionals supporting your personal and professional growth.
12. Microsoft Discovery Program
Subject Areas: Technology, Software Development, Project Management, Career Development
Location: Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, WA
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live around Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia who have an interest in technology
Application Deadline: TBA — Summer applications open in February
Program Dates: TBA
Cost: Free; paid internship with additional benefits
The Microsoft Discovery Program provides graduating high school seniors with an immersive introduction to the tech industry, focusing on essential skills in software development, project management, and product design. You will work on real-world projects, gaining insight into Microsoft’s innovation processes while building technical and professional skills. This paid internship includes mentorship and networking opportunities, connecting you with Microsoft professionals and helping you navigate potential career paths in technology.
Image Source – Horizon Logo
