12 Biology Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student interested in biology, structured programs give you the chance to test your interests and explore the field. These experiences often combine lab work, field research, and discussions with professionals, helping you develop practical skills and learn from experienced mentors. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with peers and mentors who share your interests, helping you start developing a network that can support your academic growth.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is a great place to explore biology thanks to its rich mix of universities, research centres, and ecosystems. These programs let you study topics such as marine ecology and biomedical research, highlighting how biology connects to health, technology, and the environment, and letting you apply what you learn in meaningful ways. Whether you live nearby or are visiting from another state, these programs give you a chance to learn from experts and explore opportunities in Washington.
We’ve highlighted 12 biology programs for high school students in Washington State.
If you are looking for internships in Washington State, you can check out our blog here.
1. Pathways Research Explorers Program
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500 award upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 32 students (16 per session)
Dates: Session 1: July 28–August 8 | Session 2: August 11–22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising 10th or 11th graders living in the Seattle area who have completed biology or chemistry and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Pathways Research Explorers Program at Fred Hutch Cancer Centre is a two-week summer experience designed to introduce you to biomedical and cancer research. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, this program welcomes students—especially those furthest from opportunity—to explore cutting-edge science in a supportive environment. You’ll spend your days conducting hands-on experiments in Fred Hutch’s Learning Lab, touring active research labs, and meeting scientists at various career stages. The program emphasises exposure to biomedical research, cancer prevention, and public health, giving you a sense of what a career in science could look like. If you’re a rising sophomore or junior curious about how research can help cure disease, this is a great way to get started.
2. Veritas AI's AI+Medicine Deep Dive Track
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines by cohort — Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November). You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI; prior experience with Python or completion of the AI Scholars program recommended
The Veritas AI + Medicine Deep Dive is a specialised track designed for ambitious high school students who want to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare. Founded and run by Harvard graduate students, the program teaches participants how AI and machine learning are applied to real-world medical challenges. You’ll engage in guided projects using AI models to diagnose diseases, enhance medical scans, and interpret outcomes to assist doctors and patients. The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning and technical skill-building while connecting students with mentors from leading universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. Through this experience, you can gain a deep understanding of the intersection between technology and medicine, culminating in a final project that showcases your applied knowledge.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands
Stipend: $3,000 stipend (paid in three instalments)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks, June–August (flexible start and end dates arranged with mentor)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by June 1
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, run by the American Fisheries Society, is an eight-week paid summer internship that pairs high school students with professional mentors in fisheries and aquatic science. You’ll spend the summer working 32 hours per week on real research and conservation projects, which might include field sampling, lab analysis, water quality testing, or helping with educational programs. Each placement is unique. Some students may spend time outdoors collecting data, while others might focus on lab-based or community outreach work. The program also includes the Hutton Scholars Summit, where participants meet peers and professionals from across North America.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program — Biology Track
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective — around 500 students admitted from 4,000+ applicants annually
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter), typically lasting 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; rolling deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students demonstrating strong academic achievement
The Biology Track within the Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct advanced, independent research in the life sciences under the mentorship of a PhD scholar from a top university. You will explore topics such as genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience while learning core research methodologies and data analysis techniques. Throughout the 12-week program, students develop a full-length academic research paper and receive detailed feedback from their mentor. The program emphasises critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and professional research communication. As one of Lumiere’s most popular STEM tracks, it is ideal for students seeking to experience authentic biological research and strengthen their preparation for competitive university programs in the sciences.
5. Research Training Program (Seattle Children’s Research Institute)
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $2,000 stipend provided for transportation and meals
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students
Dates: July 14–August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Current 10th-grade students (rising juniors) living within commuting distance of Seattle; must have SSN or ITIN
The Research Training Program (RTP) at Seattle Children’s Research Institute is a four-week summer experience for students interested in biomedical and life sciences research. You’ll learn to work in a professional laboratory while studying topics such as biochemistry, immunology, gene editing, and infectious diseases. The program combines lectures, lab experiments, college and career workshops, and an independent research project, giving you an authentic introduction to scientific investigation. You’ll also participate in facility tours and present your final project at the end of the program.
6. Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) High School Internship
Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4–10 students
Dates: June 30–August 22; up to 40 hours per week
Application Deadline: Mid-March (tentatively)
Eligibility: Current 11th graders (rising seniors); must reside in the U.S.
This is a competitive, eight-week summer program where rising seniors work alongside researchers in the Baliga Lab and other ISB teams. You’ll join a systems biology project that may explore topics like microbial interactions, cancer biology, computational modelling, or bioengineering with algae. Interns apply systems thinking to real research questions while learning microbiology, coding, and data analysis techniques. You’ll also conduct informational interviews with ISB professionals, participate in STEM leadership sessions, and design a personal website showcasing your project. The internship combines independent work and collaboration in a professional research environment, providing you with an authentic experience of the scientific process.
7. DO-IT Scholars Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15–20 students per year
Dates: Three consecutive summers, beginning in late June (tentatively)
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors with a disability who live or attend school in Washington State
The DO-IT Scholars Program at the University of Washington helps high school students with disabilities prepare for college and future careers. Over the course of three summers, you’ll participate in Summer Study sessions on the UW campus, where you’ll experience college life firsthand and develop self-advocacy, technology, and academic skills. During the school year, you’ll stay connected with mentors, staff, and fellow Scholars through email and online groups, gaining ongoing academic and personal support. The program also offers in-person events, project-based learning, and guidance on transitioning to higher education.
8. Camp BIOmed
Location: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, and Whitworth University. Spokane, WA
Cost/Stipend: $845 (non-member, Seattle); $795 (member, Seattle); $645 (non-member, Spokane); $595 (member, Spokane); need-based aid available (up to 100% of tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 14 students per track
Dates: June 23–27 (Spokane); July 7–August 15 (Seattle); 9 AM–3 PM
Application Deadline: Registration opens January 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
Camp BIOmed is a week-long day camp designed for high school students eager to explore biomedical and health sciences through hands-on lab work. Hosted by the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR), you’ll conduct real experiments in a university laboratory while learning about genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, global health, and bioinformatics. Six themed tracks are offered, including Molecular Biology of Cancer, Genetic Engineering, Medical Microbiology, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Global Health, and Bioinformatics, with most held at Seattle Pacific University and one offered at Whitworth University in Spokane. You’ll finish the week by presenting your findings at a culminating expo for family and friends, gaining both lab experience and communication skills.
9. Guardians of the Sea – The Salish Sea School
Location: Anacortes, Washington
Cost/Stipend: $1,799; non-refundable $375 deposit; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small group size (6 students per session)
Dates: June 16–20 and July 28–August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18
In this program, you’ll launch from Anacortes to explore the Salish Sea through boat trips, beach surveys, and island hikes while learning about local wildlife such as harbour seals, seabirds, and orcas. Each day blends scientific learning with conservation work, like debris surveys and species identification, helping you build practical skills that look great on college applications. The program includes a special overnight camping experience on Fidalgo Island, where you’ll deepen your connection with nature and bond with peers under the stars. You’ll use real marine biology tools such as hydrophones, microscopes, and binoculars, and visit research sites like the Centre for Whale Research to understand current efforts in marine conservation.
10. Topics in Bioscience – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies
Location: Online. Washington State students may apply
Cost/Stipend: $3,080
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated
Dates: Session One: June 16–27; Session Two: July 7–18
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–11 at the time of application
This course introduces you to core concepts in biology, anatomy, physiology, and biomedical science while connecting them to real-world applications in medicine and public health. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, you’ll learn how viruses infect the body, how mRNA vaccines work, and how viral evolution shapes disease outbreaks. The course blends live online classes, small-group discussions, and collaborative projects to help you develop both scientific understanding and research skills. You’ll also explore key methods used in biomedical research, including computational and epidemiological analysis.
11. Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries – Georgetown University
Location: Online. Washington State students may apply
Cost/Stipend: $1,895 (need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: There is no information available
Dates: Multiple sessions offered (1-, 2-, or 4-week options)
Application Deadline: Varies by session; typically one week before the course start date
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries course from Georgetown University introduces you to how evidence-based research drives innovations in medicine. You’ll explore how clinical trials are designed, how ethical guidelines shape medical research, and how biostatistics and epidemiology inform new treatments. Guided by Georgetown faculty and mentors, you’ll learn to critically read scientific studies, develop your own research question, and present a capstone project analysing clinical data—often with a focus on cancer research. The course also covers career paths in medical research, pharmacology, and global health.
12. INSIGHT High School Program – University of Washington
Location: Online. Washington State students may apply
Cost/Stipend: $2,200 (non-refundable)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: There is no information available
Dates: July 6 – 31 (tentatively)
Application Deadline: May 18 (applications open February 23)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 or who have recently graduated
The four-week summer program, INSIGHT at the University of Washington, introduces you to public health, biomedical research, and medicine through an engaging and interactive online experience. You’ll explore injury and violence prevention research while learning about health equity, social justice, and disparities in community health. Throughout the program, you’ll complete a collaborative capstone project on a real-world injury prevention topic, culminating in a final presentation to physicians, researchers, and medical professionals at an online research symposium. Networking opportunities allow you to connect with peers, undergraduates, professionals, and students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
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