If you’re drawn to economics, investing, entrepreneurship, accounting, or public policy, early exposure to finance can help you understand how money flows through real systems. From corporate budgeting and financial reporting to nonprofit funding and public infrastructure planning, finance shapes nearly every industry. If you’re considering business school, a finance major, or even law or public policy, a high school internship can clarify both your academic interests and long-term career direction.
Why choose a finance internship in high school?
A finance internship allows you to move beyond classroom concepts like inflation, interest rates, or supply and demand. Instead of only learning theory, you begin to see how financial decisions are made inside organizations. You may assist with budgeting, observe forecasting meetings, support accounting processes, or help analyze financial data.
More importantly, internships build professional skills early. You develop workplace communication, time management, and analytical thinking. You learn how teams collaborate, how decisions are justified with numbers, and how financial trade-offs affect real outcomes. This kind of applied exposure is especially valuable if you are trying to determine whether accounting, corporate finance, banking, consulting, or entrepreneurship is the right fit.
Why choose Seattle for a finance internship?
Seattle offers a distinctive environment for students interested in finance because of its economic diversity. The city combines major global corporations, a strong technology sector, an active startup ecosystem, public agencies, and mission-driven nonprofits. That means finance in Seattle is not limited to one pathway.
You might explore corporate finance within large firms, public budgeting in city departments, sustainability-focused financial planning, or nonprofit financial management. Seattle’s regional economy also emphasizes innovation, infrastructure, maritime operations, and green industries, creating exposure to finance roles connected to real economic development.
Here is a list of 12 finance internships for high school students in Seattle:
1. Secondary Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
Location: Washington (remote mentorship with Seattle Science Lab)
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Mid-February – Mid-May (Spring cohort); Early October – Mid-January (Fall cohort)
Deadline: Varies by cohort (see official application page)
Eligibility: Washington residents in grades 9–12 with an interest in STEM
The Secondary Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a 12-week mentored research experience designed to connect Washington high school students with university-level mentors in STEM fields. You’ll develop an independent capstone project, such as a literature review, experimental analysis, prototype, or app, based on your scientific interests. Through weekly mentor meetings and structured guidance, you’ll learn how to frame research questions, plan methodology, and manage long-term academic work. The program culminates in the Seattle Science Lab Symposium, where you’ll present your findings in a formal poster session. You are expected to dedicate approximately six hours per week, including meetings and independent work. By the end of the program, you’ll graduate with a substantial, shareable deliverable that reflects authentic research engagement and sustained academic inquiry.
2. Career Quest (Seattle Public Schools)
Location: Seattle, Washington (Franklin High School + local internship sites)
Cost: Free; paid internship ($21.30/hour)
Program Dates: July 7 – July 30, 2026
Deadline: Preferred deadline March 20, 2026; rolling admissions until positions are filled
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ by July 6, 2026 (U.S. work authorization required)
Career Quest is a paid summer internship program that pairs Seattle high school students with local businesses and Seattle Public Schools departments across a range of career fields. You’ll earn 0.5 CTE credit while gaining hands-on workplace experience in areas such as architecture, construction management, IT, skilled trades, business, education, and operations. The program blends structured classroom instruction on Mondays with immersive internship placements Tuesday through Thursday. You’ll develop professional communication skills, workplace accountability, and technical knowledge aligned with industry expectations. The experience begins with a virtual host-student match and launch meeting before transitioning into applied, on-site work. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with practical experience, documented work hours, and a clearer understanding of career pathways in high-demand fields.
3. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Internship Program
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (Washington State)
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: Academic Year (August–May); Summer (June–August)
Deadline: Summer applications open in early February and close in March; Academic year applications open in early February and close in June
Eligibility: High school students (must be 18+ to work in laboratory spaces and certain field settings)
The PNNL High School Internship Program offers paid, mentored work experiences for students interested in STEM research or business career pathways. During the academic year, you may work up to four hours per day, five days per week, with the option to earn elective credit through school-based work programs. Summer internships allow for full-time engagement from June through August. Depending on placement, you’ll collaborate with scientists, engineers, or business professionals on active projects while receiving structured mentorship. Beyond daily work responsibilities, you participate in leadership development activities, laboratory tours, and career-readiness workshops. The application process requires a tailored cover letter, resume, and transcript submission. This program provides early exposure to national laboratory environments and professional workplace expectations.
4. SPARK Student Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: Greater Seattle Area, Washington
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Project timelines vary by mentor (projects announced in March)
Deadline: Student applications open in April; selection occurs in May–June
Eligibility: High school students in the Greater Seattle area
The SPARK Student Mentorship Program connects motivated high school students with volunteer mentors from industry, academia, startups, and established companies across the Greater Seattle area. You’ll apply to specific mentor-defined projects that outline scope, expectations, and time commitment. If selected after mentor review and interviews, you’ll work closely with a professional on a practical project, gaining hands-on technical and professional experience. Past students have contributed to machine learning initiatives, co-authored research accepted at IEEE conferences, and, in some cases, continued as paid contractors after program completion. The program emphasizes mentorship, career exploration, and professional communication skills. Through structured guidance and project-based learning, you’ll develop both technical competence and confidence in presenting your work in a professional setting.
5. Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) – Internship Program
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: Free; paid internship ($20.76/hour)
Program Dates: 6–8 weeks in summer (2026 dates TBA)
Deadline: Announced annually (application required; selection by lottery)
Eligibility: Ages 16–24; must live in Seattle or attend Seattle Public Schools/Colleges; household income at or below 80% AMI
The Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Internship Program places eligible youth in structured, paid internships across City departments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector employers. You are selected through a lottery process and must complete eligibility screenings and pre-employment training before placement. Internships last six to eight weeks and are designed to align with your career interests, skills, and availability. Throughout the program, you receive professional mentorship and structured workplace support while building practical job skills. The experience focuses on career readiness, professional communication, and applied learning in real workplace environments. By the end of the program, you gain paid work experience, employer connections, and a strengthened résumé aligned with long-term career goals.
6. Port of Seattle High School Internship Program
Location: Seattle, Washington (SEA Airport and Seattle waterfront sites)
Cost: Free; paid internship
Program Dates: Summer (applications open in May); Winter session available (applications open in November)
Deadline: Announced annually during the application cycle
Eligibility: At least 16 years old before internship start; currently enrolled in high school, recent graduate (within 12 months), or GED student; U.S. work authorization required
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program offers paid, project-based summer internships across aviation, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, and green jobs. You’ll work on real projects that contribute to the regional economy and local communities, rather than completing administrative tasks. As an intern, you gain exposure to corporate workplace standards through training in communication technology, diversity and inclusion, project management, networking, and leadership. The program includes structured career development activities such as mentorship meetings, facility tours, résumé workshops, and LinkedIn training. Ideal candidates demonstrate initiative through prior projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular involvement. This internship provides early exposure to public-sector operations within a major regional transportation and economic hub.
7. McKinstry B.L.U.E. (Build, Learn, Understand, Enrich) Internship Program – Finance Track
Location: Seattle, WA (McKinstry offices)
Cost: Paid internship (approximately $22/hour based on recent postings)
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Deadline: Applications typically open in early spring
Eligibility: Must be 18+ years old; have completed lower-level financial and managerial accounting courses; pursuing a degree in accounting or finance
McKinstry’s B.L.U.E. Internship Program provides hands-on experience in accounting and finance within the sustainable building industry. In the finance track, you’ll work directly with the Finance and Accounting division on real construction and energy efficiency projects. Responsibilities may include cost accounting, budget analysis, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable processes, and project finance support. The internship emphasizes mentorship, applied learning, and exposure to contract accounting and sustainability economics. You’ll gain insight into how financial strategy supports large-scale green building initiatives while collaborating with a nationwide cohort of interns. Many participants transition into long-term roles at McKinstry, making this program a strong entry point into finance careers within sustainability and construction.
8. Academy of Finance (AOF) – Ballard High School
Location: Seattle, WA (Ballard High School)
Cost: No additional program fee (standard public high school enrollment; optional NYC trip in senior year)
Program Dates: Multi-year academic pathway (Grades 9–12)
Deadline: Enrollment occurs through course registration at Ballard High School
Eligibility: Ballard High School students interested in business, economics, entrepreneurship, or finance
The Academy of Finance (AOF) is a multi-year business and finance pathway housed at Ballard High School and affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF). Through a structured sequence of courses, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Principles of Finance, and Business Management, you build a practical understanding of financial systems, economic policy, and personal finance. Beyond coursework, AOF connects you to paid summer internship opportunities between junior and senior year, career conferences, resume and interview preparation, and mentorship from professionals and University of Washington Foster School of Business students. Seniors may participate in a financial education trip to New York City, including exposure to Wall Street institutions. Students who complete program requirements earn NAFTrack certification, unlocking scholarship access, networking opportunities, and priority interviewing with partner firms.
9. Young Executives of Our Community (YEOC)
Location: University of Washington Foster School of Business, Seattle, Washington, United States
Cost / Stipend: Free (transportation to campus required)
Program Dates: September – May (9-month program)
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors from any high school in Washington State; students who are first-generation and/or economically disadvantaged are strongly encouraged to apply; a 3.0 GPA is preferred but not required
Young Executives of Our Community (YEOC) is a nine-month college readiness and business education program hosted by the University of Washington Foster School of Business. You attend monthly Saturday sessions on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, where you participate in business lectures, professional development workshops, and college preparation activities. The program introduces core business fields such as marketing, accounting, information systems, finance, and international business through themed sessions. Each session typically includes keynote speakers, business challenges, and mentoring from professionals and program alumni. You also engage in networking opportunities with professionals and organizations connected to the Foster School of Business community.
10. B.L.U.E. Summer Internship Program – Accounting Intern
Location: McKinstry, Seattle, Washington, United States
Cost / Stipend: $22/hour
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (May/June start through August/September depending on school schedule)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related business field; sophomore standing or higher preferred; completion of introductory financial and managerial accounting coursework required
The B.L.U.E. (Build, Learn, Understand, Enrich) Summer Internship Program at McKinstry provides hands-on professional experience within the company’s accounting and finance operations. As an accounting intern, you participate in financial reporting and operational accounting activities while working with finance professionals. Your responsibilities include preparing journal entries, completing account reconciliations, and assisting with billing and accounts receivable processes. You also analyze budget-to-actual variances, document internal accounting processes, and support audit preparation. The internship is designed to provide exposure to accounting practices within a company focused on engineering, construction, and energy services.
11. Port of Seattle High School Internship Program
Location: Port of Seattle, Seattle, Washington, United States
Cost / Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old before the internship begins and must be currently enrolled in high school, recently graduated from high school within the past 12 months, or enrolled in a GED completion program; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program provides paid summer internships within the Port of Seattle across several operational and administrative departments. During the internship, you work on projects connected to areas such as aviation operations, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, and environmental or “green jobs” initiatives. The program combines practical workplace experience with structured professional development sessions that introduce corporate workplace expectations and communication practices. Interns participate in career awareness activities including mentorship meetings, facility tours, résumé workshops, and networking sessions. The internship emphasizes exposure to public sector operations and the role of the Port in supporting regional transportation, trade, and community initiatives.
12. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Location: Various locations across the United States (including local nonprofit placements)
Cost / Stipend: Paid internship ($17/hour or local minimum wage, whichever is higher)
Program Dates: Six weeks between June and July (includes Leadership Summit, June 16–18, 2026)
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old; must have received a high school diploma or equivalent within the last 24 months; must have completed at least 12 but no more than 18 post-secondary credit hours; must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to participate in a full-time internship (minimum 35 hours per week); applicants must not have previously participated in the program as a high school student
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program, organized by Bank of America, provides a six-week paid internship with a nonprofit organization combined with leadership training and professional development. During the internship, you work full time with a local nonprofit organization and gain experience in community-focused initiatives and organizational operations. The program also includes participation in a national Leadership Summit, where you engage with peers and industry professionals while exploring how the public and private sectors address community challenges. Through the internship and summit experience, students gain exposure to how financial institutions support communities, while developing professional skills such as communication, teamwork, networking, and leadership.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program, 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: Ballard High School