15 Engineering Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student with an interest in problem-solving and innovation, engineering programs are worth exploring. Structured programs in engineering offer learning experiences, allowing you to build technical skills, access mentorship from university faculty and industry experts, and explore specialized fields. Also, participating in these programs helps you test your passion for engineering before committing to a college major.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Several reputable universities and organizations in Washington State offer a wide range of programs in engineering and related fields. These programs allow you to explore engineering through design challenges, research projects, and lectures conducted by experienced mentors. Whether you live in Washington or are planning to visit the state, engineering programs in the region can offer you access to resources from major technological hubs and provide you with exposure to leading companies.
To help you with your search, we have curated a list of 15 engineering 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. Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories nationwide, including in WA
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 students/year
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have at least completed the 9th grade, are 16 or older, and are U.S. citizens; individual labs may have additional requirements.
SEAP places academically talented high school students in the Department of the Navy laboratories to participate in real naval research. You may work on engineering projects related to underwater robotics, mechanical systems, and software engineering. You will be mentored by senior scientists and engineers while you engage in tasks designed to offer exposure to the advanced technology used in national defense. You will gain insights into R&D work within the federal government through shadowing opportunities, professional development seminars, and networking events. At the end of the program, you will produce a final report or presentation discussing your research contributions.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; the AI Fellowship requires completion of the AI Scholars program or prior experience with Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with 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 get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance 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. Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) High School Intern Programs
Location: Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4–10 students/year
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Current high school juniors
ISB offers a collaborative engineering internship for high school students in Washington State, where you will work in teams to apply systems thinking to complex bioengineering problems. You work on computational biology, data analysis, and bioengineering projects that often involve coding and modeling biological networks. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary work, requiring you to blend biology with computer science and engineering principles. Mentors will guide you through the entire research process, from hypothesis generation to data interpretation. The experience culminates in a website or project showcase that highlights your team’s contributions to current scientific research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Engineering Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Cohorts offered around the year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Academically strong high school students
This research program pairs students one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors from top research universities to work on an independent academic paper. You will select a research topic, which can include engineering, robotics, or computer science, and work under your mentor's guidance to produce a university-level research paper. The curriculum will guide you through the entire research cycle from hypothesis to final paper, helping you develop high-level critical thinking and technical writing skills. The program culminates in a symposium-style presentation. The program’s premium tracks offer support for publishing your work in high school research journals.
5. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft headquarters, Redmond, WA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July – August (four weeks)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are members or participants of Microsoft-sponsored organizations listed on the program website and live within 50 miles of Redmond
The Discovery Program is a four-week internship designed to give you a firsthand look at the technology industry. You will be assigned to product groups where you will learn about the software engineering lifecycle, product design, and program management. The program focuses on career exploration and skill-building, offering opportunities to learn coding, practice design thinking, and engage in professional networking. You will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees who will guide you through a capstone project that addresses a specific user need.
6. University of Washington Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One week in late July; dates vary by year
Application deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: Washington state high school sophomores and juniors attending school in the greater Seattle area
This engineering program offered by the University of Washington is designed to introduce high school students to the diverse fields of engineering. Over the course of a week, you will engage in hands-on design challenges, engaging in problem-solving and peer collaboration to solve real-world issues. The curriculum combines laboratory tours and lectures from university faculty with mentorship from current undergraduate engineering students. As a participant, you will explore various disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering to help clarify your future academic interests.
7. Gonzaga University SEAS Summer Immersion Program
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 students
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application deadline: Typically in February/March
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Run by Gonzaga’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), this program immerses students in the collegiate engineering environment. You will explore multiple disciplines, including civil, mechanical, and computer engineering, through laboratory exercises and design projects. Faculty members will lead sessions that challenge you to build structures, code simple algorithms, or analyze materials. You will also get to engage with professional engineers and computer scientists, receiving both mentoring and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a research symposium where you can showcase the work you engaged in over the week.
8. University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Mid June – Mid July (four weeks); exact dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 7 – 12 enrolled in public schools; applicants must be first-generation college students, from underrepresented minoritized groups, and/or from underrepresented socio-economic status.
The Summer Academic Challenge is a four-week opportunity to explore STEAM fields through hands-on learning exercises. You will attend in-person sessions in collaborative settings such as classes, laboratories, outdoor settings, and libraries. You will also participate in industry visits and workshops to boost skills in written and oral presentation. The program divides all participants into three groups by grade level and assigns a unique theme to each group each year. Depending on the group placement, you will explore the engineering and science involved in interior design, marine ecosystems, or the evolution of transportation.
9. Museum of Flight Aeronautical Science Pathway
Location: Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: September – June
Application deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in aviation
This engineering program for high school students in Washington State serves as a career and technical education (CTE) pathway for those interested in aviation, aerospace engineering, and unmanned systems. You will attend classes at the Museum of Flight, following a curriculum that covers aerodynamics, meteorology, and aircraft systems, and earn both high school and college credits in the process. The program offers access to flight simulators, drone operations training, and networking events with aerospace professionals from companies like Boeing and Alaska Airlines. It is designed to fast-track students into careers as pilots, air traffic controllers, or aerospace engineers. You will also receive mentorship on navigating college aviation programs and industry certification requirements.
10. SoundBio Lab National Youth Laboratory (NYL) Internship
Location: Virtual/SoundBio Lab, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – August 20 (only Mondays and Wednesdays)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Youth, ages 16 – 20
SoundBio Lab offers students opportunities to explore synthetic biology and bioengineering through its internship program. You will engage in DIY and low-cost technology design in fields like microbiology, biochemistry, electronics, coding, and additive manufacturing. The curriculum focuses on the intersection of biology and engineering, helping you learn how to design solutions for biological problems. In addition to technical skill-building opportunities, this engineering program offers you guidance and mentorship from experts across several STEM fields.
11. PNNL High School Internships
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
Stipend: Not specified; academic credit may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: School-year opportunities: August – May | Summer full-time opportunities: June – August; typical commitment of four hours/day, five days/week
Application deadline: School-year application window: February – June | Summer application window: February – March
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are 16 or older; students need to be above 18 to work in laboratories
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory offers high school students in Washington State the opportunity to work directly alongside professional scientists and engineers on active research projects. You will be placed in one of several divisions, including computational science, national security, clean energy, and more, where you will contribute to real-world technical solutions. The program emphasizes mentorship, allowing you to learn laboratory safety, research methodologies, and professional communication skills. Beyond the lab work, you will participate in educational workshops and career development sessions to prepare for future STEM careers.
12. Museum of Flight Washington Aerospace Scholars
Location: Virtual + in-person at Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA
Cost: Phase 1: Free for zero credits; five optional credits are available for a fee of $255, with credit tuition assistance available. | Phase 2: ~$1,850 with financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Phase 1 (open enrollment) | Phase 2 (selective); exact details not specified
Dates: Phase 1: November – March | Phase 2: July – August (six days)
Application deadline: Typically in mid-October
Eligibility: High school juniors in Washington State
Washington Aerospace Scholars is a two-phase program that focuses on STEM pathways through the lens of space exploration and aviation. Phase one consists of a college-level, distance-learning curriculum developed in partnership with NASA and the University of Washington, covering topics like space travel and mission design. If you complete the online coursework, you will be invited to apply for the competitive Summer Residency at the Museum of Flight. During the residency, you will work with STEM professionals to plan a human mission to Mars, designing engineering solutions for life support, landing, and exploration vehicles. Upon completing both phases, you will join an alumni network with access to exclusive scholarships and internships.
13. UW Young Scholars Program-REACH (YSP-REACH)
Location: Virtual or in-person at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $500 (in-person) | $100 (virtual)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 15 – 19
Application deadline: Typically mid-March
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors
Sponsored by the Center for Neurotechnology (CNT), this five-day summer program immerses students in the cutting-edge field of neural engineering. You will engage in lectures, laboratory tours, and hands-on activities that explore brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and the ethics of neurotechnology. You will interact directly with UW researchers to understand how engineering principles are applied to solve neurological problems. The program is designed to provide a realistic preview of college-level research and STEM careers in neuroscience. This can be an opportunity to gain exposure to the direct applications of electrical and computer engineering in modern medicine.
14. Seattle University Urban Sustainability
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $50 non-refundable deposit + $1,500; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students
This program is a week-long opportunity to apply engineering and scientific methods to urban environmental problems. You will engage in field testing and data collection around Seattle to study water quality, waste management, and sustainable building design. Led by university faculty, the curriculum is designed to help you analyze data and propose engineering or policy solutions to real urban challenges that are both technically sound and equitable for the community. The program incorporates activities from Seattle University’s biology, chemistry, and environmental engineering programs, allowing you to prepare for careers in civil engineering, environmental science, or urban planning.
15. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual internships available for Washington students
Cost: $25 application fee; need-based fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP offers research internships across engineering fields, including bio, electrical, computer, civil, mechanical, and cybersecurity engineering. You can choose a mentor whose research interests lie in engineering and who is offering a remote research format. Over the course of eight weeks, you will contribute to engineering research alongside your mentor and refine your scientific writing and communication skills over remote sessions. During the program, you will learn about career paths in engineering and other science fields through discussions with researchers and STEM professionals. The program ends with a research symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the summer.
Image source - Veritas AI