13 Physics Summer Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student interested in physics and wish to deepen your understanding during the summer, consider participating in a physics summer program. These programs often offer opportunities to explore topics beyond the standard high school curriculum, gain practical experience, and connect with peers and industry professionals. They also allow you to build connections with faculty, researchers, and professionals who can guide your academic growth.
Why join a physics program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to many universities and organizations that offer physics summer programs for high school students. In these programs, you might analyze experimental data, model physical systems, write simulation code, or contribute to supervised research projects, depending on the structure of the experience. Whether you are based in Washington or applying from elsewhere, these programs provide access to established institutions and research communities in the region.
To make your search easier, we’ve made a list of 13 physics summer 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 DoN laboratories across the U.S., including Washington State
Stipend: New Participants: $4,000; Returning Participants: $4,500
Cohort Size: 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9th (16+)
The Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a competitive initiative that promotes careers in science and engineering within the Department of the Navy (DoN). As a participant, you will be placed in one of 38 DoN laboratories, where you will receive mentorship from top scientists and engineers. You will have the opportunity to research and select a DON lab in which you prefer to work. You will get to participate in meaningful STEM research, learn about the science and technology at DON, and gain exposure to Naval research and development opportunities.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students 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 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. One benefit of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help 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. WDTS Pathway Summer Schools - High School
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
Stipend: Minimum: $17.13/hour; Maximum: $23.08/hour
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – July 29
Application Deadline: March (summer)
Eligibility: Current high school seniors or recent high school graduates (18+) with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) offers high school students an opportunity to participate in two Pathway Summer Schools (PSS) for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. You will gain real-world knowledge about STEM disciplines and prepare for Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) internships and STEM studies. The program will help you understand PNNL’s energy and artificial intelligence research portfolios and the power grid in the WDTS PSS Energy and the Grid Program. You will gain in-depth knowledge of PNNL’s important minerals and materials, as well as the WDTS PSS Critical Minerals and Materials Program's artificial intelligence research portfolios. The program offers a great opportunity to learn and receive mentorship from a team of experienced STEM researchers.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort. You can apply here
Eligibility: High school students
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 psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. UW ASM Materials Camp
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school rising juniors attending school in the greater Seattle area; Applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher are preferred
UW ASM Materials Camp is a free day camp for high school students, during which you will have the opportunity to learn materials science through hands-on activities. As a participant, you will take field trips, attend mini-demonstrations, and learn fundamental principles of applied physics, mathematics, and chemistry through laboratory work. You will learn to apply instruments to explore concepts in materials science, biology, and engineering. During the final days of the program, you will receive mentorship from top researchers and scientists and work on team-based problem-solving science activities.
6. Engineering Academy
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 21 – 25 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Applications open in March
Eligibility: 10th or 11th graders attending school in the greater Seattle area
The University of Washington’s Engineering Academy is a free, one-week summer program for high school students. The program will enable you to engage in hands-on physics learning, including design challenges and an understanding of how engineering disciplines impact communities. You will have the opportunity to learn and explore engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, aeronautics, materials science, and more. Along the way, you’ll also get to explore the UW campus and interact with the faculty and peers. The program allows you to learn physics concepts through practical work and aims to inspire and prepare you for a future in engineering.
7. University of Puget Sound: Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Opens in February (tentative)
Eligibility: 7th-12th graders attending public schools; Must be from underrepresented groups (more details here)
The University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge is a free four-week program for underrepresented public school students. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to explore themes across disciplines, including engineering, technology, science, the arts, and mathematics. You will work in teams on projects, and the program will help you develop your writing and oral presentation skills through workshops, social events, and field trips. You’ll also get to explore your interest in STEAM, gain confidence, and prepare for the upcoming school year.
8. Summer at Lakeside: K620 Physics
Location: Lakeside School, Seattle, WA
Cost: $2,400
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Non-Lakeside and international students: May 15; All: June 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders; Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra 2 or any Geometry
The Summer at Lakeside Program allows you to earn credits by attending classes and gaining advanced knowledge in a particular subject area. The K620 Physics course, offered in the Science course, will introduce you to the world of physics through hands-on activities and theoretical investigations. You will participate in data collection and analysis, identify patterns, and derive physical meaning from them. You will investigate key concepts in modern physics, including force, momentum, energy, circuits, magnetism, and more. You will also have the opportunity to learn professional skills such as time management, group collaboration, technical communication, and more.
9. UW Youth and Teen Programs: Introduction to Engineering Design & Process
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,645 + $50 registration fee (non-refundable); Limited financial assistance offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Incoming 10th-12th graders' familiarity with basic math concepts + basic computer operations and programs
UW’s Introduction to Engineering Design & Process is a project-based course for high school students that allows you to address open-ended design problems, attend lectures, and learn about the design process. As a participant, you will gain in-depth knowledge of a range of physics and engineering concepts, including digital logic, sensors and actuators, and basic design wiring. You will develop creative and analytical thinking skills, understand the design process, and learn about engineering tools. You will have the opportunity to work on a robotics project, attend an open house, and share presentations with friends and family as the program concludes.
10. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS)
Location: Phase 1: Online; Phase 2: The Museum of Flight, Tukwila, WA (hybrid)
Cost: Phase 1: Free ($255 for five optional science credits); Phase 2: $1,850
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Phase 1: November – March; Phase 2: 6 days between July and August
Application Deadline: September – mid-October
Eligibility: High school juniors residing in Washington state
Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is a two-phase program for high school juniors. Phase 1 is conducted online and covers the exploration of flight, space travel, and aerospace design. You will have the opportunity to attend eight lessons and work on a final project. The lessons will include activities such as online reading, virtual group discussions, and aerospace-based math problems. After the successful completion of Phase 1, you will become eligible for five UW credits and have the option to join Phase 2, which is conducted at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The second phase of the program will allow you to work with NASA scientists, University students, STEM professionals, and educators.
11. Python4Physics – UC Berkeley
Location: Virtual; On-campus options available
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 16 – July 11
Application Deadline: Remote: June; In-person: May 9
Eligibility: High school students with basic knowledge of Algebra
Python4Physics, hosted by the UC Berkeley Physics Department, is a free virtual coding class for high school students. During the program, you will have the opportunity to learn and write simple code in the Python programming language and gain knowledge about interesting concepts in a range of disciplines, including physics, math, programming, and statistics. You will solve numerical problems and equations, apply data analysis, and model numerous systems. The program is a great opportunity to attend lectures over Zoom and learn physics concepts from anywhere in the world.
12. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders; Applications from first-generation and students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics are encouraged
The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is a three-week virtual program that will provide you with an overview of the latest research across physics, including cosmology, quantum computing, astrophysics, and quantum physics. Aside from this, you will have the opportunity to develop coding skills in Python and apply them to physics-focused projects. You will also attend college-planning and career-development workshops and work in small teams led by Stanford undergraduates. The program is a valuable opportunity to learn from Stanford faculty and researchers and to build a professional network with students and professors.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math & Physics
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,700 + $35 application fee; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Available year-round, including summer (some courses not offered in the summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with familiarity with core concepts in the chosen subject
Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Math and Physics program offers advanced, university-level courses to high school students. The program will allow you to choose from four advanced physics courses: Light and Heat, Modern Physics, Intermediate Mechanics I, and Intermediate Mechanics II. The courses have mandatory prerequisites and are self-paced, but you will follow set timelines for your mid-term and final exams. The program will allow you to earn Stanford Continuing Studies Credit.
Image source - Uni of Washington