15 Summer Research Programs for High School Students in Washington State
Research programs can be your chance to move beyond high school curriculum and engage directly with structured mentorship and problem-solving. By working alongside researchers and graduate students, you can learn how to design experiments, analyze data, interpret findings, and communicate results. These programs allow you to explore advanced subjects such as medicine, computer science, and engineering while gaining practical skills.
Why should you attend a program in Washington State?
Washington State is home to research institutions, including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the University of Washington, and several science and tech organizations. These institutions offer structured summer experiences that give you access to high-quality labs, research projects, and mentorship networks. Whether you are a Washington resident or an out-of-state student, the state offers a unique blend of academic rigor and innovation-focused programs.
To help you find the right opportunity for you, we have compiled a list of 15 summer research 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 and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy Research Laboratories in the U.S., including sites in WA, like the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight-week summer research placement
Application deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the 9th grade, are U.S. citizens, and are at least 16 by the internship start date; exceptions and additional requirements vary by lab
SEAP places high school students in Department of the Navy laboratories to work directly on ongoing research projects in science and engineering. During the eight-week internship, you will collaborate with professional scientists and engineers on real Naval research, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as robotics, materials science, cybersecurity, ocean engineering, and physics. You will contribute to laboratory tasks, data collection, modeling, prototyping, and other technical assignments that depend on the focus of your assigned lab. You will also receive one-on-one mentorship designed to strengthen research skills, introduce defense-related technologies, and provide insight into STEM career paths within the Department of the Navy.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group mentorship model
Dates: 12–15 weeks in the summer; dates vary by year
Application deadline: May deadlines for summer cohorts. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the AI Scholars program or demonstrate experience with Python and core AI concepts
The Veritas AI Fellowship offers high schoolers a structured environment to design and complete an independent research project at the intersection of artificial intelligence and any academic field of interest. Over the course of 12–15 weeks, you will work closely with mentors from top universities to explore research methods and AI models and translate technical concepts into a real project. The fellowship emphasizes one-on-one support, iterative experimentation, and exposure to tools used in modern machine learning workflows. You will participate in collaborative sessions to deepen your understanding of model performance, dataset construction, and evaluation strategies. The program also offers support to help you publish or showcase your work, offering you experience in communicating research to a broader audience.
3. Research Training Program (RTP) @ Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Building Cure, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $2,000 provided to offset transportation and meal costs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 24 students
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders (rising juniors and seniors) who reside within commuting distance of downtown Seattle; SSN or ITIN is required to receive stipend.
RTP offers a structured introduction to biology laboratory research for high school students interested in fields such as biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and public health. During the four-week program, you will learn core laboratory techniques, including PCR, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, and gene editing. The curriculum integrates lectures, hands-on lab modules, career exploration sessions, and facility tours at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. You will also design and complete an independent research project, culminating in a final oral presentation. The program prioritizes those seeking their first formal research experience and offers mentorship intended to build readiness for future scientific training.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; individualized 1:1 research model
Dates: Summer cohorts available; programs run for 12 weeks to 1 year, depending on the format you choose.
Application deadline: May deadlines for summer cohorts
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate strong academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a Ph.D.-level mentor. As a participant, you will learn research design, analytical methods, and scholarly writing while working 1-on-1 with your mentor on a topic of your choosing. The curriculum supports exploration across a wide range of disciplines, including computer science, data science, economics, psychology, engineering, physics, chemistry, and international relations. You will follow a structured research timeline that includes proposal development, literature review, analysis, and drafting. The program culminates in the creation of an original research paper. This structure provides a strong foundation for those seeking a rigorous and personalized introduction to academic research.
5. UW Medicine’s Neuroscience Summer Student Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $3,200 paid across four UW pay periods; program-sponsored housing available for a limited number of out-of-town students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; in the past, the program received 1500+ applicants for ~20–25 spots
Dates: June 22 – August 14 (typically, an eight-week summer research program; dates vary by year)
Application deadline: December 15; applications open on October 31.
Eligibility: High school seniors and recent graduates who are at least 18 years old
The Neuroscience Summer Student Program immerses students in both basic and clinical neuroscience through an NIH-funded curriculum that blends laboratory research with medical observations. Over eight weeks, you will complete a structured research project in a UW neuroscience lab while learning experimental methods used in brain and nervous system studies. The program offers additional clinical exposure through shadowing opportunities in the neurology and neurological surgery clinics, as well as opportunities to observe neurosurgical procedures in the operating room. Weekly grand rounds, faculty lectures, and resident education discussions will offer insight into current topics in neurosurgery and neuroscience research. You will conclude the program by presenting your individual research or clinical focus project to faculty and peers.
6. Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited cohort of rising seniors
Dates: June 22 – August 14 (dates can vary; eight-week program runs typically from late June to mid-August)
Application deadline: March 13; applications open on January 19.
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders who are at least 16, residents of the Greater Seattle or surrounding areas, and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) offers rising seniors a full-time, eight-week introduction to biomedical research at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. You will begin with two weeks of laboratory training that cover core skills, safety practices, and an orientation to the institution's research culture. For the remaining six weeks, you will join a research group and gain hands-on experience through mentored projects that reflect ongoing work in genetics, immunology, cancer biology, data science, and related fields. You will also participate in seminars, college and career workshops, and structured team activities designed to build scientific communication and professional skills. The program ends with final presentations to the Fred Hutch community, family, and mentors.
7. SoundBio Lab’s 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 on Mondays and Wednesdays)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 – 20
SoundBio Lab’s NYL Internship is an opportunity for high schoolers to explore synthetic biology and bioengineering through research and lab-based work. You will contribute to 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 research and develop design solutions for biological problems. In addition to technical skill-building opportunities, this program offers guidance and mentorship from experts across STEM fields.
8. PNNL High School Internships
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
Stipend: Not specified; academic credit may also 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 over five days/week
Application deadline: Academic-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 over 18 years old to work in laboratories.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory offers high schoolers the opportunity to work directly alongside scientists on active research projects. You will be placed in a research or business division, where you will contribute to projects in computational science, national security efforts, or the development of clean energy solutions, among other areas. The program offers mentorship designed to help you learn about laboratory safety, gain experience in research methodologies, and build professional communication skills. In addition to lab work, you will participate in educational workshops and career development sessions to prepare for STEM careers.
9. Institute for Systems Biology’s Systems Education Experiences (SEE) High School Programs
Location: Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), Seattle, WA; hybrid virtual and in-person components
Cost/Stipend: Open-enrollment STiSA program is free; internship includes paid or volunteer positions, depending on placement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: STiSA offers open enrollment; the eight-week internship selects 4–10 interns from 300+ applicants
Dates: STiSA workshops offered throughout spring and summer; internship typically runs for eight weeks (late June–August)
Application deadline: Mid-March; applications open mid-January.
Eligibility: STiSA: Current 10th–11th graders | Internship: Current 11th graders
The SEE program at ISB offers two pathways for high school students: an open-enrollment STEM ambassadorship (Systems Thinkers in STEM Ambassadorship or STiSA) and a competitive eight-week summer internship focused on systems biology research. In STiSA, you will participate in online workshops on systems thinking, systems medicine, and environmental systems, with access to optional micro-courses and continued virtual engagement. The summer internship places rising seniors into ISB research labs, where you will work up to 40 hours per week on projects in computational biology, microbial interactions, complex systems, the microbiome, cancer, and predictive or personalized medicine. You will collaborate directly with ISB mentors, build a website documenting their work, and interview professionals to explore career pathways. Depending on the project, you will gain skills in coding, data analysis, experimental techniques, and scientific communication.
10. SPARK Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
Location: Various sites in the Greater Seattle area, WA
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8–10 weeks; timelines vary for different projects, but are usually between June and August
Application deadline: Not specified; applications typically open in March/April
Eligibility: High school students who are permanent U.S. residents and reside in the Greater Seattle area
The SPARK SMP offers high schoolers in the Greater Seattle area and beyond the opportunity to work with mentors from industry, academia, and the community on STEM projects. As a participant, you will engage in real-world research under the mentorship of STEM professionals or researchers. Beyond project work, the program offers professional development resources, including college preparation and STEM career guidance. You will also access networking opportunities and gain insight into various careers through collaboration with professionals.
11. SEAS Summer Immersion Program (SSIP) @ Gonzaga University
Location: Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Cost: Full scholarship for all accepted students, including lodging, meals, and activity materials; need-based travel grants are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 16 students/year
Dates: One-week summer program (early July)
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March; notifications are sent by March 31
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Gonzaga University’s SSIP introduces high school students to engineering and computer science through hands-on projects, lab sessions, and direct engagement with Gonzaga faculty and undergraduates. Over the course of a week, you will participate in guided engineering challenges, programming activities, research activities, and design-based workshops that highlight problem-solving in STEM fields. The program includes tours of Gonzaga’s engineering facilities, guest speaker sessions, and collaborative work on projects such as robotic programming or mechanical design. SSIP also offers research exposure by partnering with GRO-MECS, Gonzaga’s summer research initiative in math, engineering, and computer science. You will live in campus housing, participate in daily group activities, and receive structured mentoring from university instructors.
12. University of Washington’s Young Scholars Program–REACH (YSP-REACH)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $500 for in-person program | $100 for virtual program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; small-group instructional format
Dates: Five-day summer program
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in the January–February period.
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors
The Young Scholars Program – REACH introduces students to neuroscience, neural engineering, and the emerging technologies that connect the brain with computational systems. Over five days, you will attend lectures, seminars, and workshops that cover neuroethics, scientific communication, neural interfaces, and current developments in brain–computer interface research. You will tour laboratories affiliated with the Center for Neurotechnology, including partner departments in computer science and electrical engineering. The curriculum is designed to offer foundational exposure to STEM disciplines while highlighting real-world applications in neural engineering. You will engage with faculty, researchers, and graduate students to observe how interdisciplinary teams investigate brain function and develop new technologies.
13. University of Washington’s INSIGHT High School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Current high school students entering grades 10 – 12 or recent graduates planning to attend college in the fall
The INSIGHT High School Program is a four-week virtual program that introduces you to public health, biomedical research, and medicine with a focus on injury and violence prevention. While the theme changes by year, in the past, students worked on an original collaborative research project called TRREK (Transportation Routing and Rescue for Emergency care in an earthquaKe), to design walking plans to reach trauma care centers during emergencies. Throughout the program, you will attend skill-building seminars on resume writing, public speaking, and data visualization, as well as virtual research seminars and speaker panels featuring healthcare professionals and community health organization representatives. The program includes peer networking opportunities and interactive social activities. On the final day, you will present your capstone project at an online symposium attended by physicians, researchers, medical professionals, and college students.
14. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Online format available for Washington students
Cost: $3,750; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 64 virtual participants/year
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – July 3 | Session 2: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMac is designed for students passionate about exploring advanced mathematics. As a participant, you will explore mathematical topics like abstract algebra and number theory while attending lectures, engaging in group problem-solving, and working on guided math research. The program covers ongoing areas of mathematical inquiry, the evolution of key mathematical theories, and applications across scientific fields. You will choose one out of two structured courses: one focused on algebra and number theory, and the other on algebraic topology, both of which link classical mathematics to modern applications. The workload in both tracks mirrors college-level expectations.
15. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual internships available for Washington students
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee with need-based fee waivers available; no stipend
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 remote research internships in various fields, including computer science, neuroscience, engineering, chemistry, statistics, medicine, and physics. You can choose a mentor offering a remote research format to engage in research within your chosen track and build your scientific writing and communication skills over remote sessions. During the program, you will learn about STEM career paths while engaging in discussions led by researchers or STEM professionals. The program ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the summer.
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