14 Summer Programs for High School Students in Tacoma, Washington
- Stephen Turban
- 6 hours ago
- 9 min read
Summer programs can be a great way to explore your interests, build new skills, and learn outside the classroom. Whether you're interested in STEM, healthcare, the arts, career exploration, or college preparation, these opportunities can help you engage with subjects in a more focused setting while connecting with mentors and peers. They also allow you to explore potential academic and career pathways before making decisions about college or future goals.
Why should I attend a summer program in Tacoma?
Tacoma offers summer programs that allow you to explore academic subjects, career fields, and extracurricular interests while taking advantage of the city's educational and community resources. Depending on the program, you might earn certifications, complete college-level coursework, participate in research or STEM projects, explore healthcare careers, develop artistic skills, or prepare for future academic opportunities. Whether you're a Tacoma resident or coming from elsewhere in Washington, these programs can help you gain new experiences, discover interests, and make productive use of your summer break.
Without further ado, here are 14 summer programs for high school students in Tacoma, Washington!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
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. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Free (for enrolled TPS students)
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (varies by program capacity)
Dates: Summer (varies by certification/course)
Deadline: Varies by program (through school or district registration)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Summer Credential Program is a hands-on training program where you learn specific job skills directly from industry professionals. You can choose tracks like automotive repair, culinary (ServSafe certification), construction trades, entrepreneurship with design thinking, or even wildland firefighting. You work on real tasks such as vehicle diagnostics, food safety procedures, construction basics, or startup planning, depending on your program. Many pathways prepare you for industry-recognized certifications like ASE automotive exams or firefighter training credentials. You also earn high school credit and, in some cases, complete structured training modules aligned with real workplace standards.
3. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Application deadline: Rolling. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience 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 looking to get started in 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. 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.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Free (public school program)
Acceptance Rate: Selective admission for full-time programs
Dates: Summer and ongoing flexible learning options
Deadline: Varies (application-based for SAMI programs)
Eligibility: High school students (application required for admission)
Science and Math Institute (SAMI)’s Summer & Flex Learning Opportunities let you study STEM through interdisciplinary projects instead of separate subjects. You work on topics that combine areas like environmental science, engineering design, and applied mathematics, often using real-world case studies. Coursework can include research tasks, data analysis, and problem-solving projects rather than standard textbook lessons. Some options are flexible or online, so you complete modules, assignments, and presentations on your own schedule. You also use tools and methods similar to early college-level work, especially in scientific inquiry and project-based learning. By the end, you produce project work or research outputs that reflect how different STEM fields connect in practice.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Free (for enrolled TPS students)
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (varies by program capacity)
Dates: Summer (varies by certification/course)
Deadline: Varies by program (through school or district registration)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Summer Credential Program is a hands-on training program where you learn specific job skills directly from industry professionals. You can choose tracks like automotive repair, culinary (ServSafe certification), construction trades, entrepreneurship with design thinking, or even wildland firefighting. You work on real tasks such as vehicle diagnostics, food safety procedures, construction basics, or startup planning, depending on your program. Many pathways prepare you for industry-recognized certifications like ASE automotive exams or firefighter training credentials. You also earn high school credit and, in some cases, complete structured training modules aligned with real workplace standards.
Location: Various (not Tacoma-specific; includes national programs)
Cost: Varies by program (many are free or offer stipends)
Acceptance Rate: Varies by program
Dates: Typically summer (May–August)
Deadline: Varies widely (January–March for most competitive programs)
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students interested in healthcare careers (varies by specific program)
University of Puget Sound Health Professions Summer Opportunities is a curated list of programs where you explore careers in medicine, public health, and biomedical research. You can choose programs that involve lab work, like studying cell biology or disease pathways, or clinical exposure, such as shadowing doctors and observing patient care. Some options focus on community health, where you work on projects related to health access, prevention, or outreach. Many programs include research tasks, data collection, or case-based learning rather than just lectures. By the end, you gain practical exposure to how healthcare systems, research labs, and public health initiatives actually function.
Location: Puyallup, Washington (near Tacoma)
Cost: Free for eligible students (public school students in the district)
Acceptance Rate: Moderate; varies by program capacity
Dates: Summer session (varies by course)
Deadline: Varies (application required)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (Grades 11–12)
Pierce County Skills Center’s Summer Career & Technical Programs give you hands-on training in specific fields like cybersecurity, automotive technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and engineering. You work directly with industry tools, such as configuring networks, diagnosing vehicle systems, assisting with basic medical procedures, or preparing commercial-grade dishes. Classes are taught by instructors with real industry experience, so most of your time is spent on practical tasks rather than lectures. Some programs include preparation for certifications or allow you to earn dual credit linked to technical colleges.
Location: Tacoma, Washington (multiple community centers)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
Dates: Ongoing (including summer evenings)
Deadline: No formal deadline; drop-in participation
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Parks Tacoma’s Teen Late Night Program is an evening drop-in program where you spend time at community centers through supervised activities and open spaces. You can join open gym sessions like basketball or volleyball, play games, or take part in group activities and events planned by staff. Some centers also include creative options like music, art, or casual workshops, depending on the schedule. You move between activities freely rather than following a fixed class structure. The focus is on staying active, socializing, and using shared spaces in a structured but relaxed setting.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Low-cost; tuition varies (often reduced or subsidized)
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (non-selective for most pathways)
Dates: Year-round; summer sessions available (June–August)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students eligible for dual enrollment (varies by program, such as Running Start)
Tacoma Community College’s College + High School programs let you take real college classes while you’re still in high school. You can choose courses across areas like biology, computer science, accounting, psychology, and healthcare pathways, depending on your track. Through options like Running Start, you complete assignments, exams, and coursework alongside college students and earn transferable credits. Some pathways are career-focused, so you may also work on technical skills linked to fields like nursing or IT. By the end, you build an actual college transcript and test out subjects before committing to a major.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
Dates: June 23 - August 29
Deadline: No formal deadline
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Parks Tacoma’s Summer Late Nights is an evening program where you spend your summer at community centers through structured activities and events. You can take part in sports like basketball, join music or art sessions, and attend organized social events planned each night. The program also includes meals and access to mentors or staff who guide activities and maintain structure. You move between different setups based on the schedule, with a mix of recreation and small-group engagement.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Cost: Typically free or fully funded (varies by program)
Acceptance Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies by program (generally June–August)
Deadline: Varies by program (typically April–May)
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12), often prioritizing first-generation and underrepresented students
The Pre-Collegiate Programs at the University of Washington Tacoma are a set of initiatives designed to help high school students prepare for college and academic pathways. The programs include structured support such as college application guidance, FAFSA and financial aid workshops, and sessions that walk you through how admissions decisions are made. You will also work on academic readiness, which includes understanding college-level expectations in writing, reading, and basic quantitative work. Some programs focus on specific groups of students and include regular meetings where you review assignments, track progress, and get feedback from advisors. You will also spend time learning how to plan your high school coursework so it aligns with what colleges expect.
Location: Tacoma, Washington (multiple centers)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
Dates: Year-round (including summer)
Deadline: No formal deadline
Eligibility: Middle and high school students
Parks Tacoma’s Teen Centers Program is a drop-in setup where you use community center spaces after school or during summer for a mix of activities. You can work on homework with available support, play sports in open gym areas, or join casual activities such as games, art, or small-group sessions, depending on the center. There’s no fixed schedule, so you move between study spaces and recreational areas freely. Staff supervise the space and sometimes organize structured activities or events.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $100 per session (up to 30 students); +$75 for Identity & Self-Portraiture (includes art activity); discounts available
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (group booking required)
Dates: Year-round (scheduled based on availability)
Deadline: Rolling (booking required)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (Grades 6–12)
Tacoma Art Museum Middle & High School Virtual Art Programs are live online sessions where you explore artworks from the museum’s collection through guided tours and discussion. You analyze specific pieces by focusing on elements like composition, symbolism, and how artists represent identity and personal stories. Some sessions include hands-on activities, such as creating your own self-portrait using provided prompts and techniques. You also take part in structured conversations where you interpret artworks and connect them to themes like culture and expression. Each session follows a set lesson plan, so you complete guided analysis and, in some cases, a finished art piece or response activity.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment (for eligible students)
Dates: Summer term (typically June–August; varies by school)
Deadline: Rolling (registration through school counselor)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools who need credit retrieval
Tacoma Public Schools High School Summer Learning (Credit Retrieval) is an online program where you retake specific high school subjects you didn’t pass and earn the required credits for graduation. You complete courses in areas like English, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and history using the Edgenuity platform, working at your own pace with structured modules and assessments. The program focuses on the exact topics you missed, so you move through lessons, quizzes, and final evaluations tied to those units. Teachers are available through email, phone, or virtual meetings to guide you and answer questions. By the end, you recover credits and stay on track with your graduation requirements while following the same district curriculum standards.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.