11 Computer Science Summer Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student interested in computer science, summer programs can help you explore the field beyond your regular coursework. Many programs introduce topics such as programming, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computational research through structured lessons, coding exercises, and guided projects. Participating in these opportunities can help you strengthen problem-solving skills, build technical knowledge, and better understand potential areas of study within computer science.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to universities, research institutes, and technology-focused organizations that offer computer science learning opportunities for high school students. Depending on the program, you may learn programming languages, analyze datasets, explore machine learning concepts, or contribute to research projects that combine computing with fields like biology, engineering, or data science. These programs are open to students from Washington State and other regions who want to explore their academic interests in the state.
To make your search easier, we narrowed our list to 11 computer science summer programs for high school students in Washington State.
If you’re looking for free programs in Washington State, check out our blog here.
1. Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Location: Fred Hutch campus, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year (usually rising 12th graders), at least 16 years old, residing in the Greater Seattle area
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center provides high school students with hands-on research experience. Over eight weeks, interns receive training in laboratory techniques, research safety, and gain exposure to a variety of biomedical research projects. While the primary focus is on biology and health, students with an interest in computer science can also apply their skills in data analysis, programming, and bioinformatics to their projects. Interns will work alongside experienced researchers, attend workshops on scientific careers, and conclude the program by presenting their findings.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Depends on the cohort
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly Available
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High School Students
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors attending Washington State high schools
Changemakers in Computing (CiC) is a free, in-person summer program offered by the University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering that introduces you to the intersection of technology, society, and justice. Designed for rising juniors and seniors in Washington State, the program aims to broaden participation in computer science among underrepresented students and first-generation college applicants. The program also emphasises community-building, exposure to different computing pathways, and support for continued learning in STEM fields.
4. Lumiere Education - Computer Science Track
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort (summer, fall, winter, spring); programs range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with strong academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as computer science, physics, economics, data science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Institute for Systems Biology Systems Education Experiences (SEE) Summer Internship
Location: Baliga Lab and/or other ISB Labs, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: High school students in 11th grade
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) offers high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in systems biology research through its SEE Summer Internship. Interns will work on projects in computational biology, microbiology, cancer, bioengineering, and related fields, with a focus on understanding complex biological systems. In addition to conducting research, students will develop valuable lab and computational skills, assist in creating instructional modules, and contribute to a website documenting their work. This internship provides a unique opportunity for students interested in the intersection of biology, technology, and engineering, while offering exposure to professional research environments.
6. PNNL Internships: Computational Biology
Location: Richland, WA
Stipend: Paid (intern compensation varies by role)
Application Deadline: March 10
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer| Early start date: June 2nd | Late start date: June 16th
Eligibility: High school students
The summer computational biology internship at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) places high school students in a research setting where computing and biology intersect. Interns begin with foundational learning that includes exposure to computational tools and biological concepts, and then work on ongoing projects within PNNL’s research groups focused on Phenomic prediction and computational biology. During the internship, students collaborate with scientists, participate in a bootcamp‑style course covering Python, R, mathematics, and biology, and contribute to research tasks that may involve data analysis and computational methods. Interns also present their project progress to mentors and staff, gaining experience in scientific communication and research practice. This program offers insight into how computing supports scientific inquiry while situating students within a professional research lab setting.
7. Coding in Python I
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and Online
Cost: $995 tuition + nonrefundable $50 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: Online: June 29 – July 10 and July 27 – August 7; In-person: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Opens January 27; Closes two weeks before the start of the course
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12; no prior programming experience required
Coding in Python I is a live, online introductory computer science course offered through the University of Washington Youth & Teen Programs. Designed for those, the course introduces Python programming through fundamental concepts such as variables, conditionals, loops, randomness, and debugging.You’re engaged in guided, hands-on exercises and independent practice, building skills in writing, analysing, and fixing code at a fast but supportive pace. The curriculum also includes procedural drawing, basic animation, and simple game creation to reinforce core ideas.
8. Introduction to AI & Machine Learning
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WACost: $895 tuition + nonrefundable $50 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: June 29 – July 10
Application Deadline: Opens January 27; Closes two weeks before the start of the course
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 - 12 with foundational Python knowledge and familiarity with code libraries
Introduction to AI & Machine Learning is a live, online course offered through the University of Washington Youth & Teen Programs that introduces you to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence. The course covers core AI concepts such as machine learning, neural networks, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and generative AI, including large language models. You’ll apply their Python skills to build and experiment with their own AI tools while learning how AI systems are used in real-world applications. In addition to technical foundations, the curriculum emphasises ethical considerations and responsible AI development.
9. Computer Science 101 (CS101)
Location: Online
Cost: Free to audit; paid option for a verified certificate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all learners, including high school students
Computer Science 101 is a self-paced introductory course offered by Stanford University through Stanford Online and edX, designed for those with zero prior programming experience. The course demystifies how computers work by focusing on a small set of core ideas that underpin modern computing, making it accessible to those from any background. You’ll learn fundamental concepts such as hardware vs. software, how the internet works, digital media, computer security, and basic programming logic using interactive, browser-based exercises.
10. Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) – Cyber Operations
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: Summer program runs 4 weeks; Exact dates TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in Python, basic Linux command line usage, and foundational computer science concepts
The Beaver Works Summer Institute Cyber Operations program is an intensive, four-week summer course hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that introduces you to modern computer security and cyber systems. Building from the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, the program explores cryptography, networking, system administration, software reverse engineering, and human factors in security. You’ll examine both traditional and nontraditional computing environments, including cloud systems, industrial control systems, satellites, and emerging technologies.
11. Code in Place
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not Publicly Available
Dates: April – May; Exact dates TBA
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High School Students with no prior programming Experience
Code in Place is a free, introductory programming course offered by Stanford University that teaches the first half of Stanford’s flagship computer science course, CS106A. The program focuses on foundational Python concepts, including control flow, variables, graphics, lists, and dictionaries, making it accessible to complete beginners from all academic backgrounds. You’ll complete creative, project-based assignments and publish a portfolio of your code hosted by Stanford. The course emphasises community, collaboration, and confidence-building alongside technical skill development.
Image source - Veritas AI