15 Programs for High School Students in Washington State
As a high school student, academic programs are a great way for you to gain exposure beyond the classroom. These programs offer you learning opportunities, enabling you to develop practical skills, explore career pathways, and establish connections with industry professionals and peers. From workshops to mentored research experiences, programs allow you to apply academic knowledge to various settings. Many programs are offered by prestigious organizations and institutions, ensuring a quality learning experience that blends academic rigor with practical insight.
Washington State houses several reputable universities, including the University of Washington (Seattle) and Washington State University (Pullman), which host a wide range of academic and structured programs. Institutions in the state allow you to explore diverse career fields. If you’re a Washington resident, you can save on long-distance travel with these local opportunities. On the other hand, if you are an out-of-state student eager to experience the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant academic culture, the state’s programs offer valuable exposure and experience.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 programs for high school students in Washington State that offer a strong foundation in finance and related fields.
15 Programs for High School Students in Washington State
1. Port of Seattle - High School Internship
Location: Port of Seattle, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: 8 weeks typically between mid-June or early July through the end of August
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Current/recently graduated high school students or students enrolled in a GED completion program who are at least 16 years old | Authorized to work in the U.S.
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program allows you to contribute to real projects that impact local communities and the regional economy, with placements at locations such as SEA Airport and the Seattle waterfront. You can explore a range of career paths within the Port, including aviation operations, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, and green jobs. Throughout the program, you will develop essential professional skills such as project management, communication, leadership, and public speaking, while also learning about diversity, inclusion, and process improvement. Additional career development opportunities, such as mentorship sessions, facility tours, LinkedIn workshops, and resume-building activities, help you prepare for future academic and professional success.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); you can apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or 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. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, you will get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that you will have access to the in-house publication team to help you secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Bank of America - Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofits in WA and Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Student Leaders Summit: July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Reside in an eligible location and be in good academic standing | First-time applicant
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program connects high school students with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain professional experience. Each year, over 300 students from nearly 100 communities participate in paid eight-week internships with local nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. Through these placements, you will gain practical insights into how nonprofit organizations operate and contribute to community development. In addition, you will attend the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will learn how businesses, governments, and nonprofits work together to address local and national challenges.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
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 you 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 finance, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. By the end, you may also be eligible for a UCSD credit. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington
Stipend: Provided, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors living within 50 miles of Redmond, WA | Completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a paid, four-week summer internship tailored for graduating high school seniors who are about to begin college and have a strong interest in technology. During the program, you engage in hands-on tech projects, collaborate on product development ideas, attend workshops on tools like Figma, and receive guidance on building resumes and LinkedIn profiles. The internship offers mentorship from Microsoft professionals, providing valuable exposure to real-world tech careers, opportunities to connect with industry experts, and visits to Microsoft's campus, all while working alongside peers on problem-solving and team-based challenges. This program covers areas such as software development, data science, and design, designed to build skills and professional networks before college.
6. Biomedical Research Internship for Growth of High school Trainees from Underrepresented Populations (BRIGHT-UP)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid, amount unspecified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 20 students
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12), especially those from underrepresented backgrounds
This eight-week summer internship is designed for high school students from under-resourced economic and educational backgrounds, and offers connections with professional mentors and practical experience in a research laboratory. During the program, you develop valuable lab skills and gain insight into various scientific fields through panels, lab tours, and discussions with experts. You work on a research project, gaining hands-on experience while being part of a supportive community focused on increasing diversity in biomedical research. Additionally, the program includes weekly sessions dedicated to career development.
7. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Pathways Research Explorers Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 16 students per session
Dates: Session 1: July 28 – August 8; Session 2: August 11 – 22
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: 10th and 11th-grade students who have completed an introductory biology or chemistry course | Live in Seattle or the surrounding areas
This two-week summer medical program at Fred Hutch in Washington State offers high school students an immersive introduction to biomedical research. You engage in lab activities, tour research facilities, and interact directly with scientists to explore topics such as cancer research, immunotherapy, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning of basic lab techniques in the Learning Lab, with a small cohort size fostering personalized interaction and opportunities to ask questions. You gain insight into different research career stages, academic paths in science and medicine, and connect with peers who share similar interests. This experience balances practical lab work with exposure to scientific career exploration in a supportive environment.
8. Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Training Program
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 16 students
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Current 10th graders with a strong interest in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, public health, or a related field | Live within commuting distance of Downtown Seattle for the duration of the program
This summer program offers an immersive experience in a professional biology research lab where you will acquire practical skills in techniques such as microscopy, PCR, bacterial transformation, and immunoassays. Throughout the program, you will explore diverse fields including immunology, gene editing, and infectious diseases. In addition to lab training, you will participate in lectures touching on public health and global medicine and attend workshops focused on college and career readiness. The program also includes tours of research facilities to help you understand how scientific disciplines interconnect. By the conclusion, you will have completed an independent project that integrates the methods and concepts learned, culminating in an oral presentation of your findings.
9. Seattle University - Summer Business Institute
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: None, but requires $50 refundable registration deposit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 19 – 25
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th to 12th-grade high school students
The Albers Pre-College Summer Business Institute (SBI) at Seattle University offers high school students an immersive introduction to college-level business education. This credit-bearing summer residency program allows you to experience life on campus while exploring various areas of business through lectures, team projects, company visits, and networking sessions. SBI provides hands-on learning opportunities that mirror the rigor and collaboration of a university business program. Over the course of the program, you will earn two college credits and gain exposure to key concepts in management, finance, and marketing. In addition, you will receive continued support and digital resources focused on college planning, career development, and financial literacy after completing the institute.
10. King County Sheriff's Police Explorer Program
Location: Various Sheriff’s Office Explorer Posts across King County
Cost/Stipend: The core program is volunteer-based, but attending the required Explorer Academy costs around $120, plus some uniform expenses | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Young adults between ages 14–21
The King County Sheriff's Police Explorer Program is a volunteer initiative for young individuals aged 14 to 21 who are curious about pursuing a career in law enforcement. The program offers a blend of classroom instruction and practical training, covering topics such as criminal law, report writing, and physical fitness drills. You engage in ride-alongs with deputies and assist in community events like parades, National Night Out, and festivals. Additionally, some academies simulate police training and opportunities to compete. Mentored by commissioned deputies, you develop skills in teamwork, communication, and decision-making while gaining firsthand experience and insight into law enforcement careers alongside peers from across King County.
11. University of Washington - Summer Sessions: Finance Track
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Check here for updates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session A: June 23 – July 23; Session B: July 24 – August 22
Application Deadline: Session A: June 22; Session B: July 23
Eligibility: High school students who have completed eighth grade or its equivalent by June 30
University of Washington Summer Sessions offers high school students the opportunity to experience college-level coursework while earning official UW credit. Open to U.S. high school students, the program allows you to take real university classes, learn from distinguished faculty, and engage with a diverse community of peers, including current UW students and international learners. You will attend classes on the university campus, gaining firsthand insight into the academic expectations and environment of college life. Credits earned during Summer Sessions are recorded on an official UW transcript and may be transferable to other colleges or universities.
12. University of Washington - Youth Business and Leadership Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Commuter: $4,498 ($3,398 for applications received by December 31); Residential: $7,498 + $99 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors
The Youth Business and Leadership Program is a two-week summer program designed for students interested in business and leadership. The program blends academic rigor with practical learning through workshops, company visits, and a team-based case competition. You will develop key skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking while tackling real-world business challenges, including a case study from a major Seattle-based coffee company. The experience encourages collaboration and problem-solving as you will work in teams to analyze issues and present solutions to industry experts. The program also provides valuable insights into the corporate world through guided excursions.
13. University of Washington - Lead Forward: Fostering Equity in Business
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Check here for updates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: August 3 – 8
Application Deadline: Applications open in February, deadline not specified for now
Eligibility: Current juniors attending high schools in the state of Washington
UW’s Lead Forward Program is a five-day summer initiative that empowers rising high school seniors across Washington State to explore their potential as future women leaders in business. It introduces you to key aspects of the business world through company visits, workshops, lectures, and networking sessions with professionals and faculty. Its curriculum focuses on six core goals: strengthening knowledge of business subjects, developing leadership and teamwork abilities, building professional skills, and exploring academic and career pathways. Through interactive activities, team projects, and discussions, you will gain practical insights into business operations and leadership.
14. Georgetown University - Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Multiple 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
This program introduces high school students to the core principles of financial markets, investment strategies, and emerging financial technologies. Through an applied approach, you will learn how investors create wealth, how stock markets function, and how valuation models determine company and asset value. The course covers portfolio building, investment risk assessment, and the mechanisms behind buying and trading stocks. You will also explore the evolving world of fintech, examining cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the growing role of technology in financial systems. By analyzing historical examples and completing a final capstone project, you will gain both theoretical and practical insights into how financial markets operate. Upon completion, you will earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.
15. The Wharton School, UPenn - Understanding Your Money
Location: Virtual
Cost: $329
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: This is an asynchronous, self-paced course
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–12, including international applicants
Understanding Your Money is a self-paced online program that introduces high school students to essential economic concepts, including investing and money management. Through video lessons by Wharton faculty, readings, activities, and quizzes, you will learn how to make informed financial decisions and build strong money habits. The course allows you to progress at your own pace and on your own schedule. Over 13–15 hours, you will explore key topics such as budgeting, earning, saving, and investing, while gaining insight into how financial choices affect overall well-being. Upon completion, you will earn a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
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