Seattle isn’t just known for its coffee shops and tech giants—it’s also a city buzzing with opportunities for high school students to dive into hands-on internships each summer. If you’re curious about exploring career paths or testing out your interests in science, business, technology, or community work, internships in Seattle give you a front-row seat to real-world learning. These programs help you build advanced skills, collaborate with professionals, and gain the kind of experience that makes college and career choices less of a mystery.
With major universities, innovative start-ups, and community-focused organizations all based in Seattle, there’s no shortage of places eager to mentor motivated students. Choosing a local internship can also be a practical choice—rather than spending money traveling elsewhere, you can take advantage of what’s already in your own city while still getting high-quality exposure and training. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together a list of Seattle summer internships for high school students that can help you explore your interests and take the next step in your learning journey.
1. Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP)
Location: Bay Area, CA and remote Cost: $1,070 per term (No Stipend) Program Dates: Autumn: September 1–January 15; Spring: January 16–May 30; Summer: June 1–August 30 Application Deadline: Autumn – July 15 (priority), August 15 (final); Spring – November 15 (priority), December 30 (final) Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; no prior research experience required
The Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP) offers research mentorship in STEM to high school students who are passionate about science and discovery. Many projects in ASDRP focus on data science, but you can also explore areas such as synthetic biology, computational chemistry, environmental science, or applied machine learning. You’ll join a lab group and work evenings or weekends on computational research, gaining skills in coding, statistical modeling, and experimental design. Students also learn to analyze data using Python or R, interpret results, and prepare findings for presentations or publication. Admission to ASDRP is highly competitive due to the limited number of positions and high demand.
2. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Offered upon completion
Dates: June 23–August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their senior year or final term after the summer with a strong science background
Through the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Summer High School Internship Program, you’ll spend eight weeks gaining hands-on exposure to biomedical research in Seattle. The first two weeks are dedicated to lab training, where you’ll learn essential techniques such as PCR, DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, and tissue culture in a safe, structured lab environment. Once you have mastered the basics, you’ll be paired with a mentor and placed into a research group, contributing to projects and observing how scientists approach daily lab work. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in weekly sessions on topics such as ethics in science, biostatistics, health disparities, and career pathways in STEM. The internship also includes college preparation workshops and career discussions with researchers. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to other students, mentors, and family members.
3. Seattle City Light
Location: Seattle, WA
Cost: Free, stipend is awarded
Dates: Mid-June/early July to 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. citizens or have a legal work permit
Seattle City Light’s summer internship gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at how a major public utility powers an entire city. Through the eight-week program, you’ll assist with administrative projects, attend workshops, and go on site visits to see how electricity is generated and distributed across Seattle. You’ll also take part in professional development sessions. A key focus of the program is exploring how values such as equity and social justice shape public service. Mentorship and guidance are built into the experience, giving you support as you complete your projects. To close the internship, you’ll deliver a presentation that highlights what you learned and how you contributed to the work of the department.
4. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship
Location: Downtown Seattle, WA
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Dates: July 7–August 7
Application Deadline: April 1–21
Eligibility: high school youth at least 16 years old by program start date
The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a five-week paid summer program that introduces high school students to environmental issues and water sustainability in the Seattle region. As part of a cohort of intern students, you’ll take part in workshops, field trips, and community events focused on clean water management, environmental justice, and local sustainability challenges. You’ll also be able to interview professionals in the field to learn about different career paths. A unique aspect of this program is its focus on communication — you’ll practice teaching others, including younger students, and present your own findings at the end of the program.
5. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Location: Amazon headquarters, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (exact dates unspecified)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-December
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, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or authorized to work in the U.S., and demonstrate financial need
The Amazon Future Engineer program is an opportunity to launch your tech career early while getting financial support for college. If selected, you may receive up to $40,000 in scholarship funding over four years to pursue a degree in computer science or engineering. That’s just the beginning – after your first year of college, you’ll take part in a paid summer internship at Amazon. As an intern , you’ll join a technical team and contribute to projects in areas such as Alexa, Amazon Web Services, or retail systems, often working on code that goes into real-world production. Alongside technical projects, you’ll receive mentorship from Amazon engineers and gain insights into the workflows of a large-scale tech company.
6. 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 gives high school students an opportunity to step into the world of biomedical science through a mix of lab work, workshops, and independent projects. Over the course of the program, you’ll learn how to use equipment such as microscopes, practice lab techniques viz. PCR and bacterial transformation, and study topics including immunology, gene editing, and infectious diseases. You’ll also attend lectures on global health and public health, participate in career and college readiness workshops, and take guided tours of research facilities. A highlight of the experience is designing and presenting your own research project, where you put your new skills into practice.
7. The Port of Seattle Internship Program
Location: Various SEA airports or waterfront offices
Cost: Free, stipend is provided
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, 10 weeks in the winter
Application Deadline: Applications open in May every year
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16-18 who are authorized to work in the U.S.
The Port of Seattle Internship Program gives high school students an opportunity to explore how a major agency keeps the region connected. As an intern, you’ll work in departments such as aviation, maritime, governance, and environmental sustainability, learning how different teams support trade and travel. Along the way, you’ll gain experience with workplace tools, communication practices, and project management skills, while also participating in activities such as mentorship meetings and resume-building workshops. You’ll have opportunities to tour Port facilities, including SEA Airport and the Seattle waterfront, giving you a close look at how large-scale operations run behind the scene. Interns are also introduced to the Port’s Code of Conduct and diversity initiatives, which highlight the values guiding public service.
8. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend (amount is not specified)
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 that gives high school students a hands-on introduction to the world of technology and innovation. You’ll spend time learning coding fundamentals in languages such as Python and JavaScript, while also exploring broader fields including software engineering, user experience design, and product development. Interns collaborate in small teams to solve problems creatively, and you’ll receive guidance from Microsoft engineers who share feedback and career advice. There will also be professional development workshops, covering topics such as resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace culture.
9. UW Botanic Garden Youth Summer Internship
Location: Washington Park Arboretum
Cost/Stipend: Free; 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 takes place at the Washington Park Arboretum and blends environmental work with community engagement. As an intern, you’ll participate in projects such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and native plant care, helping in preserving one of Seattle’s green spaces. You’ll also assist with educational camps for children, sharing your knowledge and passion for nature. The program focuses on teamwork and leadership, giving you opportunities to design activities and strengthen your communication skills. You’ll also meet with environmental professionals from across the Puget Sound region, including experts from nonprofits, government agencies, and universities, to learn about different career paths in ecology and sustainability.
10. SPARK Summer Internship Program
Location: Greater Seattle area with some remote options
Cost/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: May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP) gives high school students an opportunity to work on advanced STEM projects alongside professors, industry professionals, and mentors. The program connects students in the Greater Seattle area—and beyond—with projects in machine learning, biotechnology, robotics, and data visualization. You’ll be matched with a project team of about five or six other students, guided by a mentor who helps you develop both technical skills and research habits. Past projects have explored topics from DNA sequence classification and spiking neural networks to semiconductor research and even social media content generation. Alongside project work, you’ll have access to professional development resources – helping you prepare for future academic and tech careers.
11. Seattle Good Business Network Internship
Location: Seattle Good Business Network
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns are paid an hourly rate based on local living wage standards (for last year, it was $22.77/hr)
Dates: June 7 – August 23
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Open to students ages 18–24
The Seattle Good Business Network Internship connects high school students with local businesses, nonprofits and public agencies for a paid summer experience. As an intern, you’ll work with a local organization and commit to at least 240 hours, often spread across several weeks, depending on the host organization’s schedule. The roles vary widely and can include responsibilities such as managing social media accounts, handling customer service, assisting with e-commerce, and providing administrative support. Because the program partners with the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Workforce Development Council, it will give you access to networking opportunities and workforce training.
12. The Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program
Location: Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend $300/week
Dates: June 24 – August 29
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18
In the Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program, you’ll spend the summer getting your hands dirty and making a real impact at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands. You’ll take part in everything from planting and harvesting crops to restoring wetlands and operating the farm stand. The tasks are physical—such as seeding, transplanting, pruning, or mulching—so be ready to work outdoors in all kinds of weather! In addition to farm work, the program includes team-building activities, professional development workshops, and discussions about environmental justice. You’ll learn to identify plants, and assess habitats, while also building leadership and communication skills by working side-by-side with mentors and other students.
13. ISB’s High School Summer Internship
Location: ISB facilities in Seattle
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $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 (ISB) High School Summer Internship is an 8-week paid opportunity that allows high school juniors to experience scientific research up close. As an intern, you’ll join one of the Institute’s labs and work on projects related to systems biology—an approach that combines biology, math, coding, and engineering to study complex problems. Your research topics may focus on cancer biology, microbiomes, microbial evolution, or bioengineering with algae. You’ll also take part in professional development by interviewing staff members across scientific and administrative roles, documenting your project on a website, and sometimes contributing to curriculum development for schools. Interns work full-time, developing skills in coding, data analysis, experimental design, and teamwork.
14. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High school Trainees from Underrepresented Populations (BRIGHT-UP)
Location: University of Washington
Cost/Stipend: Free; minimum wage is paid
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 for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in biomedical research. The experience begins with a week of orientation that includes both lectures and lab training to prepare you for more advanced work. After that, you’ll spend six weeks in a biomedical research lab, where you’ll work alongside scientists on a project while learning specialized research techniques. Each week also includes career development sessions that cover topics such as professional communication and planning for college. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a symposium with other students, mentors, and members of the UW community.
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