If you’re in high school and want to start earning while building real work experience, a paid internship can be one of the smartest ways to spend your summer. Instead of just learning in a classroom, you get to be part of actual teams, handle real tasks, and see what different careers look like up close.
Seattle is a great place to do this. With major tech companies, hospitals, research centers, and top universities in the area, you have access to opportunities that let you explore everything from coding and healthcare to business and environmental science. These internships give you a realistic view of what work looks like day to day while helping you build confidence and professional skills.
Why choose a paid internship?
Paid internships give you more than just experience. You get responsibility, real workplace exposure, and the motivation that comes from being compensated for your time. You also start building a professional track record early, which can make your college and job applications much stronger later on.
15 Paid Internships for High School Students in Seattle
1. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Stipend: Offered upon completion
Dates: June 22–August 14
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their senior year or final term after the summer with a strong science background
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week paid opportunity designed for rising juniors and seniors interested in biomedical science. The program begins with two weeks of lab-based training covering safety protocols and basic techniques like DNA isolation, PCR, and tissue culture. You’re then paired with a research mentor and placed into an active research group, where you help contribute to ongoing studies in cancer and biomedical fields. Weekly sessions introduce broader themes such as health equity, bioethics, and biostatistics. The experience concludes with a formal presentation of your research to peers, mentors, and families.
2. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High School Trainees from Underrepresented Populations (BRIGHT-UP)
Location: University of Washington
Stipend: Minimum wage
Dates: June – August (1 week orientation, 6 weeks internship)
Application deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), especially those from underrepresented backgrounds
The BRIGHT-UP program at the University of Washington is a paid summer internship that supports high school students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in biomedical research. You will start with a weeklong orientation combining lectures and lab training before joining a research team for six weeks of hands-on laboratory experience. You’ll work with scientists on active biomedical projects, learning advanced research techniques and data analysis methods. Weekly career development sessions cover topics like scientific communication, college planning, and navigating research careers. The internship culminates in a symposium where you present your findings to mentors and peers.
3. ISB’s High School Summer Internship
Location: ISB facilities in Seattle
Stipend: $5,000 is awarded in 3 splits
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application deadline: March 14
Eligibility: U.S. residents currently enrolled in 11th grade
The Institute for Systems Biology offers an eight-week paid internship for high school juniors interested in exploring interdisciplinary science. As part of the program, you’ll work alongside researchers on projects in computational biology, microbiome studies, or bioengineering with algae, combining biology with coding, math, and engineering. Each intern is paired with a mentor and also engages in interviews with ISB professionals across various roles, from scientists to administrators, to gain insight into career pathways. You’ll document your research through a project website and may even help refine educational materials for schools.
4. Seattle Children’s Research Training for High School Students
Location: B. Wayne Hughes Building
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors residing within commuting distance of downtown Seattle
The Research Training Program at Seattle Children’s Research Institute introduces students to the fundamentals of biomedical research through direct lab experience and guided workshops. Throughout the program, you’ll practice essential laboratory techniques, including PCR, microscopy, and bacterial transformation, while exploring topics such as immunology, gene editing, and global health. Lectures from research scientists help you connect classroom concepts to real-world medical challenges. Beyond lab work, the program features college readiness sessions and career development activities. The experience culminates with an independent project, allowing you to design, conduct, and present your own scientific study.
5. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Location: Amazon headquarters, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (exact dates unspecified)
Application deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school seniors who plan to major in computer science or related fields should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3/4.0, be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or authorized to work in the U.S., and demonstrate financial need
The Amazon Future Engineer program links financial support with hands-on experience in computer science and engineering. Recipients can earn up to $40,000 in scholarships over four years and are guaranteed a paid summer internship at Amazon following their first year of college. During the internship, you’ll work on live projects in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, or e-commerce systems, collaborating with Amazon teams that design and deploy real-world technologies. The experience includes mentorship from engineers, professional development sessions, and insight into how large-scale software products are built and improved.
6. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship
Location: Downtown Seattle
Stipend: Paid
Dates: July 7–August 7
Application deadline: April 1–21
Eligibility: high school youth at least 16 years old by program start date
King County’s Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a five-week paid summer experience introducing high school students to environmental science, clean water management, and sustainability practices across the Seattle region. Working as part of a cohort, you’ll join workshops, field visits, and community projects that explore issues like water quality, climate resilience, and environmental justice. A key component of the internship involves improving your communication skills through peer teaching and outreach activities. You’ll also have opportunities to interview environmental professionals to better understand potential career paths. The program concludes with a presentation where you share your findings.
7. Seattle City Light
Location: Seattle
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Mid-June/early July to the end of August
Application deadline: Rolling (Internship opportunities are posted in early April each year)
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 with a minimum GPA of 2 who are U.S.
Seattle City Light’s paid summer internship gives high school students an inside look at how one of the nation’s leading public utilities operates. Over the course of eight weeks, interns support administrative and technical projects while learning how electricity is generated and distributed throughout Seattle. You’ll also attend professional workshops, meet with utility leaders, and explore how public values such as equity and environmental justice influence City Light’s mission. The internship wraps up with a presentation summarizing your learning experience and contributions to the department.
8. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington
Stipend: Paid
Dates: July 7–August 1
Application deadline: Applications open in February and are reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Open to rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) who live around Redmond and have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week paid internship designed to introduce high school students to careers in technology. Through a mix of team-based projects and technical workshops, you’ll explore fields like software development, UX design, and product management. The program emphasizes learning by doing–building prototypes, coding in languages like Python or JavaScript, and solving real design challenges. Microsoft engineers mentor participants throughout the experience, providing feedback and insight into workplace collaboration. In addition to technical skills, you’ll attend sessions focused on resume building, communication, and professional growth.
9. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program
Location: Greater Seattle area with some remote options
Stipend: $25 application fee; stipends up to $500 for some projects
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August; exact dates vary by project
Application deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The SPARK Summer Mentorship Program connects high school students with university faculty, researchers, and professionals to work on research-driven STEM projects. Over eight to ten weeks, you’ll collaborate in small teams on projects across fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Each team is guided by a mentor who helps you develop technical and analytical skills while introducing you to research processes used in academic and industry settings. Projects from past cohorts have included DNA sequence classification, semiconductor materials, and neural network modeling. Alongside research, SPARK offers professional workshops and opportunities to present your findings.
10. Seattle Good Business Network Internship
Location: Seattle Good Business Network
Stipend: Interns are paid an hourly rate based on local living wage standards (for last year, it was $22.77/hr)
Dates: June 17 – August 23
Application deadline: May
Eligibility: Open to students ages 18–24
The Seattle Good Business Network Internship connects high school students to paid summer roles with local businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies across the region. Each intern commits to at least 240 work hours, with schedules customized according to the host organization’s needs. Depending on your placement, responsibilities may include managing social media accounts, assisting with customer service, handling e-commerce tasks, or supporting administrative operations. Supported by the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Workforce Development Council, the program also offers networking opportunities and access to workforce training resources.
11. UW Botanic Garden Youth Summer Internship
Location: Washington Park Arboretum
Stipend: $1,750
Dates: July 7–August 1
Application deadline: May 23
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The UW Botanic Garden Youth Summer Internship blends environmental work with education and community engagement at the Washington Park Arboretum. You will take part in habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and native plant care projects while helping maintain one of Seattle’s largest urban green spaces. You’ll also assist with children’s environmental camps, designing and leading nature-based activities that build teamwork and communication skills. Throughout the program, you’ll meet professionals from universities, government agencies, and nonprofits, learning about diverse career paths in ecology, conservation, and sustainability.
12. The Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program
Location: Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands
Stipend: $300/week
Dates: June 24 – August 29
Application deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
The Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program is a paid opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in urban farming and environmental restoration. Based at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands, you can work on a range of physical tasks such as planting, harvesting, pruning, mulching, and maintaining wetland areas–all while learning about sustainable agriculture and habitat care. You’ll also help operate the farm stand, deepening your understanding of local food systems and community engagement. Beyond the fieldwork, the program includes team-building activities and professional development workshops focused on environmental justice and leadership.
13. TeenTix – Teens in Public Service (TIPS)
Location: Non-profit organizations in the Greater Seattle Area
Stipend: Seattle’s minimum wage
Dates: 6-8 weeks in June – August, averaging 25-35 hours/week
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Youth ages 15–19 with work authorization in the U.S.
The TIPS program places high school students in paid internships with nonprofit organizations across the Greater Puget Sound area. You will work up to 160 hours over the summer, contributing to roles that may include program support, communications, event coordination, or administrative assistance, depending on the nonprofit’s mission. Alongside your placement, you’ll attend professional development workshops designed to strengthen workplace readiness and leadership. The experience also opens doors to long-term involvement through alumni networks and youth action committees.
14. Teaching Tomorrow Internship Program
Location: Seattle area partner facilities
Stipend: $20 per hour
Dates: School Year: January–August | Summer Schedule: March to August
Application deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Students who apply must be at least 16 years old by January 1 and attend a City of Seattle public high school
The Teaching Tomorrow Internship Program is an eight-month paid initiative for Seattle high school students interested in early childhood education and youth development. The program places you in local early learning classrooms while offering ongoing mentorship from UW faculty and students. Alongside classroom experience, you’ll attend weekly mentorship sessions focused on topics like educational justice, leadership, and career pathways in education. The program includes paid training, professional development workshops, and opportunities to earn service-learning hours and high school credit. Field trips to centers such as the Haring Center and the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences give you exposure to educational research and career options.
15. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Remote
Stipend: Virtual interns are provided a stipend of $500
Dates: 5 weeks (June to August)
Application deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors located in the U.S.
JHIBS is a five-week virtual internship that introduces high school juniors and seniors to neuroscience and biomedical research. Through interactive online lectures, demonstrations, and small-group sessions, you’ll explore brain anatomy, neurological disorders, and research techniques used in modern neuroscience. Mentors from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine guide students through discussions and project-based learning, offering insights into both research and clinical careers. The program also integrates professional development sessions covering topics like academic preparation and communication in science. By the end of the internship, participants present their findings or projects and receive a certificate of completion.
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!
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