Finding a high-quality extracurricular opportunity doesn’t have to mean managing a heavy financial commitment. Free programs for high schoolers offer you a direct path to building technical skills and professional experience without the burden of tuition or enrollment fees. These initiatives cover a wide spectrum of interests, from hands-on biomedical research and software development to community advocacy and the arts. Many of these programs even go a step further by providing you with stipends, transportation assistance, or academic credit.
Why should you choose a program in Seattle?
Seattle is a premier hub for high school students, thanks to its concentration of industry leaders in technology, aerospace, and biomedical research. The city’s unique economic landscape provides direct access to global corporations and world-class research institutions that offer structured pathways for youth development. You’ll get to explore diverse fields, from maritime operations on the waterfront to cutting-edge research at the University of Washington.
Here are 15 free programs for high school students in Seattle to consider.
If you are looking for more options to fill your calendar, you can explore this guide on summer programs for high school students in Seattle to see the full range of what it has to offer.
1. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising seniors (16+) who live in Greater Seattle or the surrounding areas
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week program that provides high school students in Seattle with intensive laboratory training and mentored research experience within a professional oncology setting. You’ll begin with two weeks of hands-on technical training in molecular biology and lab safety before joining a specific research group. You’ll contribute to ongoing scientific projects, attend seminars on cancer biology, and engage with professional development workshops throughout the summer. The internship culminates in a formal presentation of research findings to the Fred Hutch community.
2. Seattle Children’s Research Training Program
Location: B. Wayne Hughes Building, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000
Cohort Size: 24 students
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5 – March 8
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders who live within commuting distance of Downtown Seattle
The Research Training Program offers a foundational experience in biomedical laboratory research within a professional pediatric research facility. You’ll spend four weeks performing hands-on experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology under the guidance of research staff. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory safety, the scientific method, and the ethical considerations involved in modern medical research. You’ll also attend lectures on various scientific disciplines and engage in professional development workshops focused on STEM career navigation.
3. Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $1,200
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 7 – 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: 10th-11th graders enrolled in a school in Washington State
Changemakers in Computing is a free program that introduces you to introductory coding and the social impacts of technology. As a participant, you will work with college-level mentors to learn fundamental programming languages while examining how technology can address systemic societal issues. You’ll gain proficiency in the software development process and explore diverse career pathways within the tech industry. The curriculum is designed to support students in seeking higher education and building a community of socially conscious developers.
4. Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Location: Various locations in Seattle
Cost/Stipend: Free; $21.30/hour
Cohort Size: 250 spots; Lottery-based
Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: May 5
Eligibility: Seattle residents ages 16-24 from qualifying income households and communities that experience racial, social, and economic disparities
SYEP connects Seattle youth with paid summer internships across city departments and local non-profit organizations. As a participant, you will gain professional experience in sectors such as urban planning, public works, administrative services, and community outreach. The program includes pre-employment training focused on financial literacy, workplace etiquette, and effective communication strategies. You’ll work up to 25 hours per week, developing transferable skills in project assistance and organizational support.
5. Institute for Systems Biology Summer Internship
Location: ISB labs, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid and unpaid positions are available
Cohort Size: 4-10 interns
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: High school juniors
The Institute for Systems Biology Summer Internship is an eight-week program that immerses you in the multidisciplinary field of systems biology through direct participation in ongoing research projects. During the program, you will work alongside professional scientists on topics including computational biology, cancer research, microbiology, and laboratory engineering. The curriculum requires approximately 300 hours of participation, during which you’ll develop skills in data analysis, systems thinking, and scientific website development. You will also interview various ISB professionals to explore career paths and contribute to the development of school-based science curriculum materials.
6. Port of Seattle High School Internships
Location: Pier 69, Sea-Tac Airport, and Port of Seattle offices in the region
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend provided
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Applications open in May
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
The Port of Seattle offers paid summer internships in fields including aviation, maritime operations, engineering, and environmental science. As an intern, you will be placed in specific departments, such as Airport Operations at Sea-Tac or Maritime Maintenance at the waterfront, to assist with daily operations and special projects. The program provides hands-on exposure to the logistics of international trade and regional transportation infrastructure. You will also participate in weekly cohort learning sessions and site tours to understand the broader impact of the Port on the local economy.
7. Teens in Public Service (TIPS)
Location: Non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Seattle Area
Cost/Stipend: Free; $21.30/hour
Cohort Size: The previous cohort had 86 students
Dates: 6-8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-19 with an address in the state of Washington
TIPS places high school students in Seattle in paid summer internships at local non-profit organizations to foster leadership and community service. You’ll serve as project assistants, camp counselors, or administrative aids for organizations focusing on social justice, the environment, or youth education. You’ll also attend leadership training sessions where you will discuss civic engagement and social responsibility with your peer cohort. This free program helps you develop practical skills in event coordination, community advocacy, and nonprofit management.
8. KEXP Youth Radio Program
Location: KEXP Studios, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $150 + $30 for each show aired on KEXP
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: September 11 – June 11
Application Deadline: July 28
Eligibility: Youth ages 15-18 from the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
The KEXP Youth Radio program teaches high school students in Seattle the technical and creative aspects of radio broadcasting and music curation. During the program, you will receive six weeks of intensive instruction in music selection, board operation, on-air broadcasting, and digital and physical music library management. You’ll also work with professional DJs to curate playlists, write on-air scripts, and manage live recording sessions. The program provides hands-on experience with industry-standard audio software and broadcasting hardware.
9. MOHAI History Lab
Location: Museum of History & Industry, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $150
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 27 – August 7
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders
History Lab is a free program in Seattle that teaches you how to conduct primary source research and produce historical narratives. During the program, you will work with museum curators and educators to explore local history through archives, oral histories, and museum collections. You’ll also engage with the geography and politics of Seattle through field trips and expert-led workshops. The program focuses on technical skills in archival research, video editing, and digital storytelling to create a final project, such as a short documentary or podcast.
10. Museum of Flight Aeronautical Explorations
Location: The Museum of Flight and Raisbeck Aviation High School, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; Students receive 5 high school CTE credits
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders in Washington State
The Museum of Flight Aeronautical Explorations is a free program for high school students that provides a comprehensive introduction to careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. You’ll engage in daily activities like air traffic control simulations, airline dispatch exercises, and unmanned aerial systems (drones) training. You’ll also tour the Museum’s restoration center and interact with industry professionals from companies like Boeing and Alaska Airlines. The program focuses on technical knowledge of aerodynamics, airport management, and flight navigation.
11. UW Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors who attend high school in the greater Seattle area
The Engineering Academy is a free program designed to introduce high school students in Seattle to the diverse disciplines within the field of engineering. As a participant, you will engage in structured design challenges that require the application of physics, mathematics, and collaborative problem-solving techniques. The curriculum includes tours of active research laboratories and demonstrations of advanced engineering equipment used in robotics and civil infrastructure. You’ll also interact with current UW faculty and undergraduate engineering students to learn about the academic pathways into technical majors.
12. The 5th Avenue Theatre Rising Star Project
Location: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Rehearsals start in March/April; Performance: May 28 – 30
Application Deadline: Applications and auditions open in November
Eligibility: Washington State youth ages 14-19
The Rising Star Project is a free program that allows you to produce and perform a full-scale musical on the professional 5th Avenue stage. You’ll be divided into tracks, including performance, technical theater, stage management, and arts administration, working directly with professional mentors to learn specialized skills such as lighting design, costume construction, and marketing for large-scale arts events. The program emphasizes the collaborative nature of professional theater, requiring you to manage rehearsals and production schedules. The experience culminates in several public performances of a Broadway-style musical, showcasing your technical and artistic growth.
13. UW Nurse Camp
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (16+) from Washington State
The UW Nurse Camp is a free program that introduces you to the nursing profession through clinical simulations and shadowing experiences. You will learn basic nursing skills, such as taking vitals and performing CPR, in the University of Washington’s state-of-the-art simulation labs. The curriculum includes opportunities to shadow nurses at UW Medical Center and Harborview, observing different specialties in a real-world hospital setting. You’ll also attend workshops on college readiness, financial aid, and the various pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse.
14. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft, Redmond, WA (part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $26/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open in early February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who have completed precalculus or an equivalent course and are members or participants of Microsoft-sponsored organizations
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program is designed to introduce graduating seniors to the fundamentals of software engineering and tech-industry career paths. As a participant, you will work in small teams to complete a specific technical project under the guidance of Microsoft mentors, focusing on coding, UI/UX design, and product management. The curriculum emphasizes the software development lifecycle, teaching you how to move from a conceptual idea to a functional prototype. You’ll also attend professional development workshops covering networking, resume building, and presentation skills.
15. University of Puget Sound Summer Academic Challenge
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA (part of the Seattle metropolitan area)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Public school students in grades 7-12 who will be first-generation college students or are from underrepresented minoritized groups/socio-economic status
The University of Puget Sound Summer Academic Challenge utilizes a project-based STEAM curriculum to connect academic subjects to regional environmental and social issues. As a participant, you will be grouped by grade level to tackle specific themes, such as the ecological impact of salmon on the Puget Sound community or the mathematics of home design and urban planning. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, statistical analysis, and technical communication through hands-on laboratory work and field explorations. The program concludes with a showcase where you present your research findings and designed solutions to your peers and families.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, 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 Puget Sound