12 Tech Programs for High School Students in Washington State
If you are a high school student interested in technology, a structured tech program can help you explore the field in more depth before college. These programs give you opportunities to study topics such as computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, game design, and data analysis while developing problem-solving and technical skills. You also interact with instructors, mentors, and peers who share similar interests, allowing you to build academic and professional connections early on.
Why choose tech programs in Washington State?
Washington State is a strong location for technology-focused learning, with universities, research centers, and companies that contribute to fields like software development, engineering, and applied computing. Across these programs, you may work on coding projects, research questions, design challenges, or collaborative technical tasks that reflect how technology is studied and applied in academic settings. Whether you live in the state or are an out-of-state student looking to explore programs, Washington State offers a variety of tech and related programs.
To help you get started, we've narrowed down our list to 12 tech 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. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Microsoft campuses in WA
Stipend: Paid Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors who live and attend high school within 50 miles of WA
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week, paid summer internship designed to introduce you to careers in technology. You’ll work full-time in small teams on hands-on projects that do not require prior technical experience. You’ll gain exposure to the product development design phase and explore disciplines such as software engineering, product management, and UX design. Overall, the Microsoft Discovery Program provides an immersive introduction to the tech industry and helps you envision future academic and career pathways in technology.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer
Application Deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: Middle and high school students with an interest in computer science, artificial intelligence, or applied mathematics
Veritas AI is an online artificial intelligence education and research initiative founded by Harvard graduates for those interested in AI, machine learning, and data science. The program offers multiple structured pathways, including AI Scholars, a beginner-friendly bootcamp that introduces core AI concepts through lectures, guided coding practice, and collaborative projects. The AI Fellowship provides one-on-one mentorship with experts from top universities to design and execute an original, independent AI research or applied project. You’ll engage in project-based and research-oriented learning, culminating in a final project, showcase, or research deliverable. The program emphasises practical skill-building, personalised mentorship, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
3. Summer Academic Challenge (SAC)
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Mid June to mid July (Exact dates TBA)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 attending public schools in Tacoma or greater Pierce County
The program uses a project-based STEAM curriculum to help you explore real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, with themes changing annually. You’ll work collaboratively in classes, labs, and outdoor settings, engaging in hands-on projects such as building models, conducting experiments, and using technology to solve problems. In addition to academic coursework, you’ll attend workshops focused on writing, oral presentation skills, and participate in field trips and special events. SAC is designed to build academic confidence, strengthen critical thinking and teamwork skills, and support your long-term educational pathways, including potential financial aid opportunities.
4. Lumiere Research Scholars Program - Tech Track
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round, including summer
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in mathematics or quantitative STEM fields
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a virtual, mentorship-based research program designed for those interested in advanced technology and computer science research. You are paired one-on-one with PhD-level mentors from top research universities to create and execute an original research project. Over the course of the program, you’ll develop a research question, conduct background and technical investigation, analyse data or build technical systems, and refine your findings. The tech track broadly covers areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and related engineering disciplines. By the end of the program, you’ll produce a substantive, independent research paper suitable for academic or pre-college research portfolios. The program emphasises rigorous inquiry, personalised mentorship, and end-to-end exposure to the research process.
5. Changemakers in Computing (CiC)
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 6 – 30
Application Deadline: April 1; More info here
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from grades 11 - 12 enrolled at Washington State high schools
Changemakers in Computing (CiC) is a free summer program hosted by the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington. The program is designed to broaden participation in computer science and engineering by supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and first-generation college students. Through hands-on coding activities, you’ll explore different areas of computing while examining the intersection of technology, society, and social justice. CiC also emphasises the role of technology as a tool for community impact and changemaking. In addition to technical skill-building, the program fosters mentorship, peer connection, and a strong sense of community among you.
6. Engineering Academy (University of Washington College of Engineering)
Location: University of Washington Seattle campus, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 21 – 25 (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors attending school in the greater Seattle area
The Engineering Academy is a free, week-long summer program hosted by the University of Washington College of Engineering that introduces you to the field of engineering through hands-on learning. You’ll engage in collaborative design challenges, explore multiple engineering disciplines, and learn how engineering solutions impact local and global communities. Designed for those with little to no prior engineering background, the Academy emphasises accessibility, exploration, and skill-building. By combining experiential activities with mentorship and exposure to academic pathways, the program helps you envision future opportunities in engineering.
7. AI for Equity
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,500 total cost; $50 nonrefundable deposit; Scholarship available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 12 – 17
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: High school students interested in artificial intelligence, ethics, and criminal justice
AI for Equity is a pre-college summer program hosted by Seattle University that explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and criminal justice. You’ll learn core concepts in AI and machine learning while examining how these technologies are applied within legal and justice systems. The curriculum emphasises ethical considerations such as bias, fairness, and equity, encouraging you to evaluate technical solutions through a social justice lens. You’ll work with real datasets, explore different machine learning techniques, and design AI-based approaches to address societal challenges.
8. DigiPen Academy Pre-College Summer Programs
Location: Online, hosted by DigiPen Institute of Technology, Redmond, WA
Cost: $2,995 – $3,195 (Early Bird discount of $300 available through January 31)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 6 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old, entering junior or senior year of high school
The DigiPen Academy Pre-College Summer Programs are four-week, online, college-level courses designed for those interested in game-related fields such as Art & Animation, Game Design, Game Programming, and Music & Sound Design. The curriculum aligns with coursework at DigiPen Institute of Technology, a globally recognized leader in game and interactive media education. You’ll participate in morning academic classes taught by faculty-level instructors and spend afternoons collaborating in a project lab to build a complete game as a multidisciplinary team. The program emphasizes both technical foundations and creative problem-solving while simulating real-world game development workflows. Upon completion, you’ll receive official grades and a transcript suitable for college applications.
9. Summer Stretch Program
Location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, WA
Cost: $1,450 tuition (includes a non-refundable $50 registration fee); optional before-care ($79) and after-care ($210). Need-based tuition waivers available for eligible Washington State families
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Admission via lottery system
Dates: June 29 – July 23
Application Deadline: Lottery open February 15 (4:00 PM) – February 28 (4:00 PM)
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 7–10 at the time of registration
The Summer Stretch Program, offered by the UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars, is a four-week, on-campus academic enrichment program designed for motivated middle and early high school students. You’ll enroll in a single, intensive course and explore subjects ranging from mathematics and sciences to writing, philosophy, public health, and computer science. Courses emphasize deep engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration in the university classroom. Instruction is rigorous and fast-paced, often covering a full year of material in select subjects. While the program does not grant official high school credit, many students use it for academic placement or enrichment with prior school approval.
10. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost: Program is unpaid; one-time nonrefundable application fee: $95
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 22 –August 14
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors aged 14+
SHTEM is a competitive, in-person summer research internship run by the Stanford Compression Forum. Designed to give you early exposure to interdisciplinary research, the program places you in small groups working on multifaceted projects mentored by Stanford students, faculty, and affiliated researchers. Research themes intentionally bridge STEM and the humanities, spanning areas such as computer science, engineering, neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, design, and the science of information. The program culminates in presentations or research outputs that reflect authentic, collaborative research experiences at Stanford University.
11. Girls Who Code Pathways
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Year-round; 6 - 7 weeks; Self-placed
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Girls and non-binary students in grades 9 - 12
Girls Who Code Pathways is a free, virtual program designed to help you build computer science skills while exploring future tech careers. You’ll choose from curriculum tracks such as game design, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and web development, completing hands-on, real-world projects at your own pace. In addition to technical coursework, you’ll join a supportive online community through Discord, where you can collaborate, socialise, and access resources. The program also offers optional career panels, corporate partner events, and advisor-led workshops focused on emerging technologies and professional development. Pathways emphasises both skill-building and community, helping you connect your personal interests with potential career pathways in technology.
12. Harvard Computer Society AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Regular pricing is $795, and Final Priority pricing is $995
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: August 25 – 29
Application Deadline: Opens in February for Summer; More info here
Eligibility: High school students with a strong math background; Python proficiency required
The Harvard Computer Society AI Bootcamp is a selective, short-term intensive program for those interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Run by the Harvard Computer Society AI Group, the bootcamp is developed and taught by Harvard-affiliated graduate-level researchers and undergraduates with extensive experience in AI research. You’ll explore cutting-edge topics in modern AI and machine learning, including developments in generative AI, through lectures, guided coding sessions, and applied learning. You’ll choose between an Introductory track, focused on foundational concepts, and an Advanced track, which emphasises independent, research-oriented projects. The program is designed to simulate the academic intensity of college-level AI study and culminates in a mini research or technical project.
Image source - Girls Who Code