15 Physics Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are fascinated by space, motion, or energy, structured physics programs can help you explore these topics at a more advanced level than what is offered in high school. Physics programs introduce a variety of concepts through lectures, projects, and demonstrations that help you connect theory to practical applications. As a participant, you will get to use advanced lab equipment, meet with professionals, professors, and experts, and gain insights into future educational or career pathways.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to numerous institutions and universities, which offer various learning opportunities for high school students interested in physics. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with instructors and other students through experiments, group projects, and guided learning sessions that strengthen your understanding of key concepts. Whether you live in Washington or are visiting the state, the programs here allow you to explore research-focused academic environments while engaging in college-level physics coursework.
To help you find the right option for you, here are 15 physics 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. Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories, including NUWC Keyport Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport, WA, and PSNS/IMF Puget Sound, Bremerton, WA
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants; $4,500 for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 300 students across all laboratories
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer (exact dates vary by individual lab)
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9, are at least 16, and have U.S. citizenship; graduating high school seniors are also eligible.
Through SEAP, the Department of the Navy (DoN) offers high schoolers opportunities to work in naval research labs on various STEM projects during the summer. Over the course of eight weeks, you will contribute to real Naval research projects while working alongside professional engineers and scientists within lab environments. You will find opportunities to explore applications of physics, materials science, and engineering concepts during the program. You will also have access to professional development opportunities, shadowing opportunities, seminars, and workshops that will help you build technical skills and explore the role science and technology play in national defense.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Vary according to the cohort; Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions available
Application deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); you can find out more and apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have either completed the AI Scholars program or have some experience with AI concepts or Python
This Veritas AI program allows you to explore AI through collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Over the course of 15 weeks, you will dive into the curriculum through three phases: Exploration & Learning Phase, Ideation & Data Exploration, and Execution Phase. As a participant, you will work with a mentor to study AI concepts and to complete a research project that combines AI and a topic of your interest within physics. In the process, you will learn about the applications of AI in STEM. You can find examples of past Veritas AI student-led projects here and check out students’ participation experiences here.
3. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Remote or in-person at NASA centers in the U.S.
Cost/stipend: Free to enroll; stipends are available, but amounts vary based on academic level and session length.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Summer, spring, and fall opportunities available; dates vary
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old, and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA OSTEM internships offer high school students opportunities to contribute to NASA’s work within space science and technology. During your internship, you will join one of NASA's teams and engage in tasks within physics, aeronautics, space exploration, and other related fields. While the precise responsibilities vary by placement, you may assist the assigned team with research, tech testing, and analysis. During the program, you will have access to the mentorship of NASA scientists and engineers who can offer STEM-focused career insights.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer, spring, fall, and winter cohorts, run each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
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 physics, data science, engineering, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. 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 who attend public schools and are from underrepresented minoritized groups
The Summer Academic Challenge allows you to spend four weeks exploring STEAM subjects through hands-on learning and exposure to the real-world applications of textbook concepts and theories. 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 university divides all participants into three groups based on grade level and assigns a unique theme for each group every year. Depending on the group placement, you will explore the math and science involved in interior design, marine ecosystems, and the evolution of transportation.
6. Internships at PNNL
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
Stipend: Not specified; stipend availability and amount can vary based on the internship opportunity
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 students; certain roles are limited to those who are at least 18.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory offers both part-time internships during the academic year and full-time opportunities in the summer for those interested in STEM and research-related roles. You will work on lab or business-related tasks alongside STEM professionals from PNNL, who will also act as mentors during the program. The experience can help you explore the operations of a laboratory, physics-focused research work, and workplace dynamics. You will also participate in leadership development activities, communications and career awareness workshops, and laboratory tours during the internship.
7. UW ASM Materials Camp
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; selection is based on merit.
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application deadline: March 15; applications open on February 1.
Eligibility: 10th graders who attend a high school in the greater Seattle area
This UW camp focuses on introducing high schoolers to materials science through hands-on learning experiences. Here, you will explore applied physics, math, and chemistry within the context of materials science through experiments, mini demonstrations, lab work, and field trips. You will also learn about materials science, engineering, and biology principles while working with various instruments. Toward the end of camp, you and other participants will work on an assignment where you try to solve a science-related issue under the guidance of engineers and researchers.
8. Central Washington University’s College in High School (CiHS)
Location: Various partner high schools in Washington
Cost: Free for public school students; $60/credit for private high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by semester
Application deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders; participants must commit to maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher or a C grade throughout the program.
While most pre-college programs are hosted on campus, this program allows you to enroll in a Central Washington University course from your own high school. You will attend classes taught by high school teachers who are selected by CWU. CiHS offers university-level instruction along with support and resources for boosting college and career readiness. You can consult your high school counselor about the list of courses offered at your school. The program typically offers various introductory and advanced courses in physics and related fields.
9. UW in the High School
Location: High schools across Washington State
Cost: Free for public school students; $81/credit for private school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Vary by cohort
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders
The UW in the High School is another program that lets you enroll in college-level classes and earn credits without leaving your classroom. The program allows you to attend lectures within your school and access the same syllabus, course materials, assignments, and lesson plans that are used in university academics. The teachers part of this program are trained by the University of Washington to ensure all the sessions match the standards of a college-level class. The program offers a diverse selection of courses, including physics-focused options like ASTR 101: Astronomy and ASTR 150: The Planets. You can earn dual credits (high school and college credits) by completing a course in this program.
10. University of Washington’s Summer Sessions
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Varies by course and credits
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June – mid-August (dates TBA); program is typically split into two sessions
Application deadline: June/July deadlines; exact dates TBA
Eligibility: Students who have completed their 8th grade
This summer program offered by the University of Washington (UW) is an opportunity for high schoolers to engage in college-level classes on campus. You can choose from courses across disciplines, including physics and astronomy courses. Some options typically available in the course list include courses in quantum mechanics, astronomy, and moon science. As a participant, you will attend classes led by UW professors and earn transferable university credits. The program caters to students with varying experience levels; its 100-level classes are designed for high school students.
11. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS)
Location: Phase 1: Online; Phase 2: The Museum of Flight, Tukwila, WA
Cost: Phase 1: Free or $255 for earning five credits; Phase 2: $1,850 (100% need-based scholarship available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Phase 1: November – March; Phase 2: Six days between July and August
Application deadline: Applications typically stay open from September to mid-October
Eligibility: 11th graders who reside in Washington State
The Washington Aerospace is a hybrid program that starts as an online course, through which you will study STEM topics with a focus on flights, aerospace design, and space travel. The online curriculum consists of eight lessons and a project, with each lesson requiring a commitment of two weeks. On completing the virtual coursework, you can pay an additional fee to earn five credits from the University of Washington's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Upon meeting all the requirements of phase one, you will get to visit the Museum of Flight for six days for Phase 2 of the program. Here, you will have the opportunity to work alongside NASA scientists and other STEM professionals.
12. UW Summer Stretch
Location: University of Washington Robinson Center, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,450; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 30 – July 23
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open on February 15
Eligibility: Current 7th–10th graders; prerequisites vary by course
Summer Stretch is an in-person summer program designed for students who want to dive into a single subject area over four weeks. Here, you will join small classes led by specialist instructors. You can choose between accelerated academic courses in math, chemistry, ecology, or physics, and enrichment courses covering American literature, mock trial basics, or robotics. If you choose a physics course, you will explore core topics like light, matter, and optics and engage in group work, self-study, and test-taking.
13. Summer at Lakeside
Location: Lakeside School, Seattle, WA
Cost: $2,325 + $110/week for bus service; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 1
Application deadline: May 15; registration opens on February 23.
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th graders who have taken Biology and Algebra 2 courses or any Geometry course
The Summer at Lakeside program allows high school students to take classes in a specific subject and earn credits during the summer. You can opt for the K620 Physics class, which combines theory-focused lectures with lab sessions, where you get to collect and analyze data. You will study force, momentum, energy, circuits, magnetism, and other topics in modern physics. If you are a rising junior or senior during your participation, the program also offers SAT coaching and college essay writing training sessions. The course also offers opportunities to build professional skills such as technical communication, reasoning, computational thinking, time management, and collaboration.
14. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11
SPINWIP, a collaborative effort between the university’s Physics Department and the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, is designed for students interested in learning about physics and research in the discipline. During this three-week online program, you will learn about ongoing research in the fields of quantum physics, quantum computing, astrophysics, and cosmology. You will also learn coding in Python and use these skills to complete physics projects. Additionally, you will attend college planning and career development workshops to explore physics as a career path.
15. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Location: Online
Cost: $35 application fee + $1,700 course fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring sessions available; dates vary by year
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: 9th to 12th graders; each course requires familiarity with core subject concepts.
This Stanford University program allows high school students to explore college math and science syllabi while attending university-level classes from home. You can choose courses within physics like light and heat, modern physics, intermediate mechanics I, and intermediate mechanics II. You can complete the course at your own pace as long as you follow the midterm and final exam schedule. You can schedule virtual meetings with Stanford staff during their office hours to get answers to your queries regarding the course. You will earn Stanford University Continuing Studies credit and an official transcript from the university upon completing the course.
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