15 Programs for High School Students in Seattle, Washington
Discover 15 enriching programs for high school students in Seattle, Washington. Explore opportunities for growth, learning, and community engagement today!
Structured summer programs offer high school students a focused way to explore academic and career interests through guided mentorship and project-based learning. Across fields like medicine, biomedical research, computer science, public health, and engineering, these programs provide practical skill-building, industry exposure, and opportunities to connect with professionals. Hosted by reputable universities and organizations, they offer structured environments where you can move beyond theory and gain meaningful early experience.
Why should you attend a program in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle is home to universities, research centers, and healthcare institutions that offer well-designed programs for high school students. You can explore laboratory research, clinical exposure, environmental science projects, coding initiatives, and other applied learning experiences that reflect the city’s strengths in science and technology. These opportunities are ideal for local students seeking access to nearby resources, as well as out-of-city students interested in studying in a hub known for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Below is a compiled list of 15 programs for high school students in Seattle, Washington.
If you’re looking for free programs in Washington, check out our blog here.
1. Research Training Program - Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Downtown Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; $2,000 stipend provided for transportation and meals
Dates: July 13 - August 7
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (current 10th and 11th graders) with an interest in biology or related sciences; must be able to commute locally
Deadline: March 8 (applications); recommendation letters due March 29
This four-week, in-person research program is designed for high school students who are curious about how biomedical science actually happens inside a working lab. Hosted by Seattle Children’s Research Institute, the program introduces you to core research areas such as biochemistry, immunology, gene editing, and infectious diseases through a mix of hands-on lab work, workshops, and an independent research project. The structure is intentionally scaffolded, making it especially suitable for students seeking their first formal exposure to laboratory research rather than an advanced or clinical experience. Alongside technical skills, you also explore college readiness and science-related career pathways, grounding the lab experience in longer-term academic thinking.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Online (open to students worldwide, including Seattle-based students)
Cost: Program fee required; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year, including summer sessions
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic standing and an interest in computer science, mathematics, or AI; prior coding experience recommended but not always required
Deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort (summer cohorts typically close in late spring). You can apply to the program here.
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. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: No cost; paid internship with stipend and ORCA transit card provided
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students; must be 16 or older by program start, reside in Greater Seattle, and have a strong academic interest in science; prior research experience not required
Deadline: March 13
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a highly regarded, full-time research experience for students interested in cancer biology and biomedical science. Designed specifically for students with limited prior research exposure, the program begins with structured training in laboratory safety and core techniques before transitioning interns into mentored research teams at Fred Hutch in Seattle. Over the course of eight weeks, you gain firsthand experience working in active research environments while also attending seminars and professional development sessions focused on college pathways and science careers. The program places strong emphasis on learning how research actually functions day to day - from collaboration and troubleshooting to communication and presentation. SHIP concludes with formal presentations where you share your work with the Fred Hutch community, family, and peers, making it both rigorous and confidence-building.
4. Lumiere Education
Location: Online
Cost: Program fees vary by track and mentorship format
Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students with demonstrated academic motivation and interest in research (specific prerequisites vary by track)
Deadline: Varies by cohort; check individual track information when applications open
Lumiere Education offers structured, mentor-led research experiences for high school students who want to go beyond introductory coursework and tackle real academic questions in science and health-related fields. Through its virtual research tracks, you are paired with experienced mentors (often PhD-level researchers) from leading universities to develop and execute independent research projects on topics of your choice. The program emphasizes research design, critical analysis, scientific communication, and project presentation, giving students a taste of what academic research feels like at a collegiate level. This makes it particularly well-suited for students considering future study in biomedical science, healthcare, or any STEM discipline where original research skills are valued.
5. Open Studio Summer Architecture Internship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: Paid internship (transit expenses covered)
Dates: July 27 - August 21
Eligibility: Students who have completed 11th or 12th grade; designed for under-resourced students
Deadline: May 1
This selective summer internship offers a hands-on introduction to architecture and design for a high school student who may not otherwise have access to professional design spaces. Over four weeks, you will be embedded within a working architecture firm, gaining exposure to how ideas move from discussion to drawing to built form. The experience balances observation with participation, combining office-based work, site exposure, and structured learning around design thinking. A key outcome of the program is the development of a small body of work, giving you both practical insight and something tangible to reflect on your experience. It’s particularly well-suited for students curious about architecture as a career but still early in their exploration.
6. Seattle Parks & Recreation - Teen Late Night Internship
Location: Various sites across Seattle, Washington
Cost: Paid internship ($20.76/hour)
Dates: Summer program (evening and weekend commitments; specific dates not listed)
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-17, currently enrolled in high school; completion of the Youth Leadership Committee or 40 volunteer hours required
Deadline: Usually closes in April
This paid internship is designed for high school students who want hands-on work experience while contributing to a program that supports youth engagement and community safety across Seattle. As an intern, you work directly with the Teen Late Night Program, which operates on Friday and Saturday nights at community centers around the city, creating welcoming, active spaces for teens. The role blends practical responsibilities like event support, outreach, and coordination - with leadership development and mentorship. You gain early exposure to careers in parks and recreation, youth services, and public service, while building transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and civic engagement.
7. Albers Summer Business Institute
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
Cost: 1,500; scholarships available (50 non-refundable deposit applied toward total cost)
Dates: July 19 - 25
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9-11 with an interest in business or entrepreneurship
Deadline: Not specified (applications typically open several months in advance)
The Albers Summer Business Institute at Seattle University is a credit-bearing, residential program designed for high school students who want an early, immersive introduction to business and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the Albers School of Business and Economics, the program combines college-level coursework with experiential learning, team-based projects, and exposure to multiple business disciplines. You live on campus for the week, offering a realistic preview of university life while exploring academics. SBI is intentionally inclusive and strongly encourages applications from students with historically marginalized identities.
8. AI for Equity - Seattle University
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
Cost: 1,500; scholarships available (50 non-refundable deposit applied toward total cost)
Dates: July 12 - 17
Eligibility: High school students interested in artificial intelligence, ethics, and criminal justice
Deadline: April 25 (priority deadline)
AI for Equity is a short but immersive residential program for high school students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and criminal justice. Hosted at Seattle University, the program introduces you to the fundamentals of machine learning while examining how AI is used within justice systems - and where issues of bias, fairness, and equity emerge. Through applied learning, you explore ethical challenges, analyze real datasets, and work toward designing AI-based solutions to social problems. Guest speakers from the Seattle area add real-world context to discussions around technology and justice.
9. Urban Sustainability - Seattle University
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
Cost: 1,500; scholarships available (50 non-refundable deposit applied toward total cost)
Dates: July 26 - 31
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental science, sustainability, and environmental justice
Deadline: April 25 (priority deadline)
Urban Sustainability is a project-based program for high school students interested in environmental science, sustainability, and environmental justice. Led by Seattle University faculty, the program encourages you to think critically about what “the environment” means in an urban context and how human systems interact with natural ones. You engage in hands-on investigations spanning biology, chemistry, environmental science, and engineering, while examining issues such as water quality, plastic pollution, sustainable infrastructure, and ecosystem health. A strong emphasis is placed on social equity, helping you understand how environmental burdens often fall disproportionately on certain communities. This program is ideal for students who want an applied, interdisciplinary introduction to environmental problem-solving.
10. Port of Seattle Internships
Location: Seattle, Washington (SEA Airport and Seattle waterfront sites)
Cost: Paid internship
Dates: Summer (exact dates announced with application)
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ who are currently enrolled in high school, recently graduated (within 12 months), or in a GED program; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Deadline: Applications open in May
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program offers paid work experience for students interested in public service, infrastructure, sustainability, and community-focused careers. As an intern, you work on real projects across areas such as aviation, maritime operations, governance, green jobs, and community engagement - often in highly visible locations like SEA Airport or along the Seattle waterfront. Beyond day-to-day work, the program emphasizes professional skill-building, including communication, leadership, project management, and workplace readiness. You also participate in mentorship sessions, facility tours, and resume and networking workshops, making this a strong option for students seeking early exposure to large-scale, practical operations.
11. Seattle Police Explorers Program
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: None
Dates: Ongoing; monthly meetings throughout the year
Eligibility: Students aged 14-21; must be a full-time student with a GPA of 2.5 or above; no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; must pass a background check and oral interview
Deadline: Rolling enrollment (candidates must attend 2-4 consecutive monthly meetings before applying)
The Seattle Police Explorers Program is a long-running youth leadership and career exploration initiative designed to build understanding between young people and law enforcement. Through structured training, monthly meetings, and community service, you gain firsthand exposure to how policing works - from patrol procedures and investigations to specialized units like K-9 and Harbor Patrol. The program emphasizes responsibility, civic engagement, and leadership, making it especially relevant for you if you’re curious about criminal justice, public service, or community-focused careers. While some participants go on to pursue law enforcement professionally, the program is equally valuable for students interested in learning how public safety systems function in practical settings.
12. Foster School of Business
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $4,498 (commuter); an additional $3,000 for the residential option
Dates: July 5 - 17
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders and graduating seniors interested in business and leadership
Deadline: Not specified
The Business and Leadership Program at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business is a two-week immersive experience for high school students curious about business, leadership, and how real companies make decisions. Set on UW’s Seattle campus, the program blends academic learning with hands-on application through workshops, corporate visits, and a team-based case competition modeled on Foster’s undergraduate and MBA curriculum. You explore leadership, teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking while collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds. The experience is designed to build confidence, expose you to college-level business education, and offer a realistic preview of how business problems are approached in professional settings.
13. UW Youth & Teen Programs - Introduction to AI & Machine Learning
Location: Seattle, Washington (in-person) or Online
Cost: $895
Dates: March 31 - May 28, 2026 (online) or June 29 - July 10 (in-person sessions)
Eligibility: Grades 9-12 with prior Python knowledge
Deadline: Rolling registration (subject to seat availability)
This course offers a structured introduction to artificial intelligence for high school students who already have some experience with Python and want to move beyond basic coding. You explore how AI systems actually work, covering machine learning, neural networks, computer vision, and generative AI - while also examining the ethical questions that come with deploying these technologies in the real world. The program emphasizes practical application, guiding you through the process of building their own AI tool rather than just learning concepts in isolation. Offered both online and in person on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus, it provides flexibility while maintaining a college-level pace.
14. UW Youth & Teen Programs - Coding in Python
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $995
Dates: August 10 - 21
Eligibility: Rising grades 9-12; prior Python experience required
Deadline: Rolling registration (subject to availability)
This course is designed for students who already have a foundation in Python and are ready to push their skills further through hands-on, project-based learning. Rather than focusing on isolated exercises, you build a visually interactive game that becomes more complex as new concepts are introduced. Along the way, you deepen your understanding of core computer science ideas such as conditionals, loops, randomness, and program structure - while also learning how to design graphical interfaces, handle user input, and add simple animation. The emphasis on debugging, organization, and multi-file projects mirrors how real software is built, making this a strong next step for students considering further study in computer science or game development.
15. Seattle Fire Department - Fire Cadet Program
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $95 initial fee; $10 monthly dues (financial assistance available)
Dates: Year-round; Saturday sessions
Eligibility: Ages 16-22; must meet physical and attendance requirements
Deadline: Rolling applications (review cycles in August and February)
This long-running cadet program is designed for young people who are seriously considering a future in the fire service and want early, structured exposure to what the role demands. Through regular training sessions, cadets build physical readiness, discipline, teamwork, and a working understanding of fire service culture and expectations. The program places a strong emphasis on commitment and consistency, mirroring the realities of a firefighter’s schedule and responsibilities. It also actively encourages participation from underrepresented communities to build a department that reflects the city it serves. For students exploring public service careers and willing to put in sustained effort over time, this program offers a grounded and realistic entry point.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI.