15 College Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student exploring opportunities beyond the classroom, structured college programs can help you gain practical experience while learning more about potential academic and career paths. Many of these programs combine mentorship, college-level instruction, and collaborative learning experiences to help you develop technical, analytical, and communication skills in academic settings. Many of these programs also connect you with researchers, faculty members, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and current college students through mentorship and collaborative projects.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to universities and organizations that offer a wide variety of academic enrichment and career exploration programs for high school students across disciplines such as engineering, medicine, business, computer science, environmental science, and public policy. Depending on the program, you may conduct biomedical or neuroscience research, participate in engineering design challenges, analyze public health data, explore artificial intelligence and ethics, or develop business and entrepreneurship skills alongside faculty members and professionals. For students already living or studying in Washington State, these programs can provide access to local university resources and academic communities, while out-of-state students may use them to explore potential colleges and experience academic life in the Pacific Northwest.
To help you get started, we have listed 15 college programs for high school students in Washington State.
If you’re looking for business-related programs for high school students in Washington State, check out this blog or this one!
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span biomedical research, neuroscience, computer science, AI and ethics, engineering, business, healthcare, materials science, and environmental STEM, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant option in Washington State or online.
Several programs are free and paid, including BRIGHT-UP (free with minimum wage pay), UW Changemakers in Computing ($1,200 stipend), UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program ($3,200 stipend), and UW YEOC (free), while programs such as Seattle University AI for Equity and UW Summer Stretch offer scholarships and financial aid.
Many programs specifically prioritize Washington State residents, underrepresented students, or first-generation college students, including BRIGHT-UP, Oregon MESA equivalents at UW, DO-IT Scholars (students with disabilities), UPuget Sound SAC (first-generation and underrepresented Tacoma students), and UW Engineering Academy (students without prior engineering access).
Programs vary significantly in length and commitment, from one-week introductory experiences, such as Gonzaga SEAS, UW Engineering Academy, and Seattle University AI for Equity, to multi-year programs, such as DO-IT Scholars, so students can choose based on their availability and depth of interest.
Application deadlines for competitive programs fall early, including the UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program (December 15), the UW ASM Materials Camp (March 15), UW Changemakers in Computing (April 1), and the UW Engineering Academy (April 11), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
1. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High School Trainees from Underrepresented Population (BRIGHT-UP)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Participants are paid minimum wage
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: around 25 students each summer
Program Dates: 7 weeks in the summer (July – August)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: First-generation high school students from financially or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in Washington State (i.e., students who are first in their family to attend high school OR the first who will go to college)
BRIGHT-UP, offered by the University of Washington School of Medicine, is a paid summer research program for high school students interested in biomedical and health sciences. The program will begin with a week of orientation and training in laboratory techniques, biosafety, and biomedical research fundamentals, followed by a six-week internship in a UW research lab. Working alongside scientists in a one-on-one mentorship setting, you’ll develop a research project and gain experience using specialized research methods in a university lab environment. In addition to lab work, you’ll participate in weekly career development sessions, discussion panels with biomedical researchers and trainees, and visits to labs across different disciplines. The program will conclude with a research symposium where you’ll present your findings to mentors, peers, families, and members of the UW community.
2. University of Washington’s Young Executives in our Community (YEOC) Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None (transportation reimbursement might be available on a case-by-case basis, usually for students traveling 150 miles or more to UW)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, with over 160 high school students selected from 73 schools in Washington State
Program Dates: September 27 – May 16
Application Deadline: February – May 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors from any high school in Washington State | Preference given to students with a GPA of 3.0 and above | Must be active leaders in their high school and community
The University of Washington’s YEOC program is a year-long academic and business enrichment program designed for high school sophomores and juniors throughout Washington State. During monthly Saturday sessions at the UW Seattle campus, you’ll participate in workshops, lectures, and interactive activities focused on topics such as finance, marketing, accounting, and information systems. The program will combine business education with college preparation and professional development, giving you opportunities to learn from keynote speakers and engage in team-based business challenges. Throughout the program, mentors will provide guidance during sessions and maintain regular contact with you throughout the year to support your academic goals and college planning. As you progress through the program, you’ll develop presentation, teamwork, and analytical skills while exploring how business concepts apply to real-world situations. At the end of the program, you’ll take part in a case competition where you’ll develop and present solutions to a real business problem to an audience of professionals and peers.
3. UW’s Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | $1,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: March 4 – April 1, with an Orientation Day on May 16
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors currently enrolled in a Washington State school | Must be a resident of Washington State
Hosted by the UW’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, CiC is a free summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors in Washington State. The program will introduce you to coding and computer science through project-based learning activities that explore the connections between technology, society, and social responsibility. You’ll work closely with current UW undergraduate mentors in small mentee groups, participating in coding lessons, collaborative projects, and discussions about the impact technology can have on communities. Alongside technical instruction, the program will include career exploration sessions, guidance on post-high school education pathways, and opportunities to build connections with other students interested in computing. You will also receive a stipend and spend time on the UW campus while gaining exposure to different areas of computer science and engineering.
4. UW Medicine’s Neuroscience Summer Student Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | $3,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: November 1 – December 15
Eligibility: Open to high school and recent high school graduates who are at least 18 years old | Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (visa holders are not eligible) | Required minimum GPA and STEM GPA is 3.2
UW Medicine’s Neuroscience Summer Student Program is an NIH-funded summer program that provides students with experience in both neuroscience research and clinical medicine. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll conduct an independent research project in a UW neuroscience laboratory while learning laboratory methods and experimental approaches used in brain and nervous system research. The program will also include clinical observation opportunities, allowing you to shadow neurologists and neurosurgeons, attend Grand Round Lectures, and observe clinical and surgical procedures. Alongside research and clinical activities, you’ll participate in weekly Friday Faculty talks and discussions led by faculty members and residents that explore current developments in neuroscience and neurosurgery. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research or clinical project findings to faculty and peers.
5. UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity’s UDOC Summer Program
Location: Hybrid, with in-person sessions held on the UW campus in Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 30 students each summer
Program Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 10 – March 20
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from across Washington State
UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity’s UDOC Summer Program is a six-week hybrid enrichment program for Washington State high school juniors interested in healthcare careers. The program will combine virtual learning with an in-person residential experience on the UW campus, where you’ll participate in STEM coursework, professional development workshops, and community-building activities. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to healthcare through simulation labs focused on nursing, dental care, anatomy, and suturing, as well as full-day hospital and clinic shadowing experiences. Alongside clinical and academic activities, you’ll attend weekly guest lectures led by healthcare professionals and earn Stop the Bleed certification. The program will also include collaborative activities and social events designed to help students build connections with peers and mentors while exploring different healthcare pathways. Through these experiences, you’ll develop practical healthcare knowledge, communication skills, and a broader understanding of medical and allied health professions.
6. DO-IT Scholars Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA (there will also be online sessions)
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 15–20 students per year
Program Dates: This is a multi-year program
Application Deadline: Priority deadline is January 30; applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors with disabilities | Must live and attend school in Washington State
The DO-IT Scholars Program is a multi-year enrichment program that helps high school students with disabilities prepare for college and future careers. Across three summers, you’ll attend Summer Study sessions on the UW campus, where you’ll participate in academic activities, explore assistive technologies, and gain firsthand experience with college life. During the school year, the program will continue through online communication, mentoring, and group discussions that connect you with fellow Scholars, staff members, and professional mentors. You’ll also take part in project-based learning opportunities and in-person events focused on self-advocacy, academic success, and the transition to higher education. Through these activities, you’ll develop practical academic, communication, and technology skills while building a support network with peers and mentors.
7. UW’s Lead Forward: Fostering Equity in Business
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: August 2 – 7
Application Deadline: February – April 30
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from Washington State
UW’s Lead Forward: Fostering Equity in Business is a summer leadership and business exploration program for rising high school seniors across Washington State who are interested in learning more about the business world. The program will introduce you to topics such as leadership, teamwork, professional communication, and different areas of business through workshops, seminars, lectures, and collaborative activities. You’ll participate in company visits, roundtable discussions, and networking sessions with professionals, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, giving you exposure to a range of academic and career pathways in business. Through these experiences, you’ll gain a broader understanding of business education, leadership, and professional environments while connecting with peers who share similar interests.
8. UW’s Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 20 – 24
Application Deadline: April 11 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors from the greater Seattle area
UW’s Engineering Academy is a one-week introductory summer program designed for Seattle-area high school students interested in exploring engineering and learning more about studying the field in college. The program will introduce you to different engineering disciplines through hands-on design challenges, collaborative activities, and discussions about how engineering can address problems in communities and everyday life. You will also have the chance to connect with current engineering students and faculty members, as well as participate in tours of UW’s Seattle campus and engineering spaces. The program is specifically intended for students who may not have had prior access to engineering coursework, clubs, or competitive teams, making it an accessible introduction to the field.
9. Gonzaga University’s School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) Summer Immersion Program
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Cost | Stipend: None; travel grants available for accepted students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 18 students
Program Dates: July 5 – 10
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Gonzaga University’s SEAS Summer Immersion Program will introduce high school students to different engineering disciplines through hands-on laboratory activities and collaborative design projects. During the program, you’ll explore fields such as civil engineering, robotics, and computer engineering while participating in activities that may include building structures and coding simple algorithms. Faculty members will lead technical sessions that will expose you to the types of problem-solving and experimentation commonly used in collegiate engineering programs. The program will also include opportunities to interact with professional engineers and computer scientists, allowing you to learn about engineering careers and professional pathways through mentoring and networking experiences. The experience will conclude with a research symposium where you’ll present the projects and work you completed during the program.
10. University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost | Stipend: Free | Students who complete SAC may qualify for a financial aid package if they choose to attend the University of Puget Sound after high school graduation
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Program Dates: June 25 – July 22
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Pubic school students from Tacoma and greater Pierce County currently in grades 7–12 | Must be from underrepresented minoritized groups, first-generation college students, and/or from underrepresented socio-economic status as determined by the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program
The University of Puget Sound’s SAC is a tuition-free four-week STEAM enrichment program for public school students in grades 7–12 from Tacoma and the greater Pierce County area. Through project-based coursework, you’ll explore themes in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while working collaboratively on hands-on activities, laboratory experiments, coding projects, and design challenges. Each year’s curriculum centers on a different theme, with recent topics including salmon and environmental stewardship, probability and statistics, and sustainable home design. Alongside classroom and lab experiences, you’ll participate in workshops focused on writing and oral presentation skills, as well as field trips and special campus events. University students will serve as mentors and teaching assistants throughout the program, supporting you as you develop research, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
11. UW ASM Materials Camp
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 15
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores from the greater Seattle area | Preference given to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a basic knowledge of algebra, chemistry, and/or physical science
ASM Materials Camp is a free summer day camp at the University of Washington that introduces high school students to materials science through hands-on experiments, laboratory activities, and field trips. The program will explore concepts in materials science, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, and applied mathematics, helping you understand how different scientific disciplines connect in real-world applications. Activities will include laboratory investigations, mini-demonstrations, and the use of scientific instruments to study the properties and behavior of materials. A distinctive feature of the camp is its team-based problem-solving experience led by “Materials Mentors,” who will include engineers and researchers working in the field. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with peers while developing laboratory, analytical, and critical thinking skills in a university research environment.
12. Seattle University’s Albers Summer Business Institute
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: $1,500 (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: April 25 (priority deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
Seattle University’s Albers Summer Business Institute is a residential summer program that introduces high school students to business and entrepreneurship through college-level coursework and experiential learning activities. Hosted by the Albers School of Business and Economics, the program will give you the chance to explore multiple business disciplines while participating in collaborative projects and team-based problem-solving exercises. You’ll live on the Seattle University campus during the program, gaining firsthand insight into college academics, residential life, and the campus community. Along the way, you’ll build communication, collaboration, and analytical skills while working alongside peers with similar academic interests.
13. Seattle University’s AI for Equity
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: $1,500 (scholarships available) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: April 25 (priority deadline)
Eligibility: High school students
Seattle University’s AI for Equity program is an interdisciplinary program for high school students that examines the relationship between artificial intelligence, machine learning, and criminal justice. The curriculum will cover topics such as the fundamentals of machine learning, common AI techniques, the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice systems, and ethical issues related to bias, fairness, and equity in technology. You’ll participate in coursework taught by Seattle University faculty while evaluating datasets, discussing social justice implications of AI systems, and exploring technology-based approaches to social problems. The program will also include guest speakers from the Seattle area who provide perspectives on how artificial intelligence is being used in professional and community settings. Students who complete the program will earn two college credits while gaining exposure to the intersection of technology, ethics, and social justice.
14. UW Foster School of Business’s Pre-College Programs
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: Varies by program and whether you opt for the commuter or residential option (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited number of spots per program
Program Dates: July 5 – 17 (Business and Leadership Program) | July 19 – 25 (Business Startup Bootcamp)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduating high school seniors
The Foster School of Business Pre-College Programs are summer business and entrepreneurship experiences for rising 10th–12th graders and recent high school graduates held on the UW Seattle campus. The offerings will include the two-week Business and Leadership Program, where you’ll develop leadership and communication skills through workshops, team collaboration, and a live case competition focused on solving real-world business challenges, and the one-week Startup Bootcamp, which will introduce you to entrepreneurship, idea development, market testing, and investor-style pitching. Both programs will emphasize hands-on learning and teamwork, allowing you to work with peers while learning from Foster School faculty and guest speakers from Seattle’s business and startup communities. Depending on the program, you may present solutions to industry professionals, build startup concepts, or analyze business strategies in collaborative group settings. Residential and commuter options are available, and students who attend both programs can remain on campus between sessions to participate in supervised activities and excursions around Seattle. The programs are designed for students with varying levels of business experience, so prior coursework in business or entrepreneurship is not required.
15. UW’s Summer Stretch Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost | Stipend: $1450 (financial aid available) | Optional costs for Before and After Care are $79 and $210, respectively
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited number of spots
Program Dates: June 30 – July 23
Application Deadline: February 15 – 28 (Lottery admission process); general admissions will be open until June 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–10; check individual course pages here for course-specific prerequisites
The Summer Stretch Program gives students in grades 7–10 the opportunity to explore academic subjects in depth through intensive four-week courses held on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus. You’ll choose a single subject area to focus on, with course offerings spanning fields such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, creative writing, public health, data science, speech and debate, linguistics, and urban planning. Depending on the class, you may participate in activities such as coding in Python, conducting laboratory-based science investigations, creating community-focused writing projects, analyzing data, or taking part in mock trial and debate exercises. Classes will be small and taught by instructors who specialize in their disciplines, allowing for interactive discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on learning experiences.
Frequently asked questions
1. What college programs are available for high school students in Washington State?
Options include biomedical and neuroscience research programs, such as BRIGHT-UP and UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program, computer science and AI programs, such as UW Changemakers in Computing, Seattle University AI for Equity, and Veritas AI, business programs, such as UW YEOC, UW Lead Forward, Seattle University Albers Institute, and UW Foster Pre-College Programs, engineering programs, such as UW Engineering Academy and Gonzaga SEAS, healthcare programs, such as UW UDOC Summer Program and Apollo Youth in Medicine, and multi-year support programs, such as DO-IT Scholars and Oregon Young Scholars.
2. Are there free or paid programs for high school students in Washington State?
Yes, BRIGHT-UP is free and pays minimum wage, UW Changemakers in Computing is free and provides a $1,200 stipend, UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program is free with a $3,200 stipend, and UW YEOC, UW Lead Forward, UW Engineering Academy, UW ASM Materials Camp, and UW UDOC are all free to attend. Seattle University programs and UW Summer Stretch offer scholarships and financial aid for eligible students.
3. Which Washington State programs are best for students interested in research or STEM?
Students interested in research might consider BRIGHT-UP for paid biomedical lab research at UW, UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program for independent neuroscience research with clinical shadowing, Gonzaga SEAS for engineering design and laboratory activities, and UW ASM Materials Camp for hands-on materials science with industry mentors.
4. Which programs are open to students outside Washington State?
Veritas AI is fully virtual and open to students anywhere in the world. Seattle University AI for Equity, Gonzaga SEAS, UW Summer Stretch, and UW Foster Pre-College Programs also accept out-of-state applicants, though some programs, such as BRIGHT-UP and UW YEOC, are limited to Washington State residents.
5. When should I apply to college programs for high school students in Washington State?
UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program closes December 15, making it the earliest deadline. DO-IT Scholars has a priority deadline of January 30, UW ASM Materials Camp closes March 15, and UW Changemakers in Computing closes April 1. Programs, such as UW Engineering Academy (April 11), UW UDOC (March 20), and Seattle University programs (April 25 priority), fall later in the spring. Students should begin researching options in the fall to avoid missing the earliest deadlines.
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