14 Internships for College Students in Washington State
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 13
- 11 min read
Landing an internship is a great way for college students to build professional skills and understand how an industry works while making valuable connections. Internships are a strong addition to your resume, showing employers and graduate programs that you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to practical work.
If you’re exploring opportunities in Washington State, the region is home to many research institutions, fast-growing startups, global tech companies, and public service organizations, which gives you access to a wide range of professional experiences. To help you choose, we’ve curated a list of 14 internships for college students in Washington State based on prestige, the rigor of the professional experience, and opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
If you’re looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
Location: Remote
Stipend: Varies by host companies
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students.
Ladder’s University Internship Program offers an eight-week, remote learning and project experience built around real work from high-growth startups. You’re matched with a host company and a dedicated coach who guides you week by week through scoped deliverables. Depending on the company and field, you may analyze financial models, explore sustainability challenges, build software features, contribute to machine-learning workflows, or develop research and strategy projects in consulting, media, or nonprofit roles. The program is backed by partners such as Bessemer Venture Partners and Harvard Innovation Labs, and many managers come from institutions like Stanford, Harvard, Penn, McKinsey, Google, and Microsoft.
The program follows a structured timeline: you’ll meet your company coach in Week 1, complete your first major deliverable by Week 4, then tackle a second project for your final presentation in Week 8. Along the way, you’ll develop a portfolio of real work while gaining exposure to startup operations and industry-specific challenges. Apply now!
Location: Olympia, Washington
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 per month
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January 6 – March 12
Application Deadline: Typically opens in early fall
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors or seniors in good academic standing; must attend a four-year college in Washington or be Washington residents enrolled out of state and able to earn academic credit
The Washington State Legislative Internship Program places about 70 college students at the heart of state government each winter, offering a full-time, nonpartisan role within the House or Senate. You’ll work alongside legislators and staff on constituent communication, policy research, committee support, and communications projects, gaining exposure to how state laws are shaped. The program blends professional work with structured civic education: you’ll participate in ethics training, legislative research workshops, bill-tracking sessions, and weekly seminars taught by policymakers. A highlight of the internship is the mock committee and floor debate, where you’ll simulate the full legislative process, from analyzing bills to drafting amendments. You’ll also complete job shadowing experiences with state agencies or legal offices and have access to guided tours, networking events, and professional development workshops.
Location: SEA Airport and Seattle waterfront offices, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation varies by position
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by role; full-time internships in summer and part-time roles in fall
Application Deadline: Summer roles generally posted between late February and early May
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or relevant technical certificate program and should have started coursework or built experience in a related field
The Port of Seattle’s College and Graduate Internship Program offers you the chance to see how a major public agency runs an international airport and a maritime port system. You’ll work in areas like airport operations, engineering, maritime operations, finance, environmental sustainability, IT, HR, and more, contributing to projects. You can focus on learning and impact while building experience that directly translates into future roles in aviation, logistics, public sector work, or corporate functions. Beyond day-to-day responsibilities, you’re encouraged to attend networking events, learn about different Port departments, and understand how your work supports regional economic growth.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: $6,365
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 22
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 18+
The MEM-C REU at the University of Washington offers undergraduates a chance to dive into energy research through the Molecular Engineering Materials Center, an NSF-funded MRSEC. You’ll be placed in a research lab and work with faculty and graduate mentors to design a project, learn laboratory techniques, and ultimately present your findings through a final poster. The program centers on real-world challenges in materials resilience and innovation, from lightweight power solutions to next-generation electronics and sensing technologies. Alongside daily lab work, you’ll take part in weekly seminars on research communication and ethics, journal discussions, and lab tours that broaden your understanding of materials science.
Location: Pierce County, Washington
Cost/Stipend: $21 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Early June – Late August (12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Internships typically open in February
Eligibility: Students seeking hands-on professional experience
Pierce County’s Summer Internship Program offers a meaningful, paid public-sector experience for college students interested in contributing to local government. You’ll be placed within a county department aligned with your interests, ranging from public services and community outreach to administrative support, legal advocacy, and more. The program is designed to provide responsibilities beyond administrative work, giving you experience in areas that directly impact community wellbeing. You’ll spend about 80% of your time working with your assigned department and the remaining 20% participating in structured professional development as a cohort. This includes trainings, site visits, networking activities, mock interviews, and a collaborative end-of-summer presentation to the Pierce County Council. You’ll also be paired with a mentor who offers guidance throughout the summer, ensuring consistent support alongside your supervisor.
Location: Richland, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Salary provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10–16 weeks
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are college sophomores, juniors, or seniors majoring in STEM fields or science policy
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) places undergraduates directly into the research ecosystem at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, one of the leading U.S. Department of Energy labs and a major STEM employer in the Northwest. You’ll spend 10 to 16 weeks working alongside PNNL scientists and engineers on research aligned with national energy, security, and scientific missions. You’re matched with a mentor who will help you embed in a real research group, gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools, facilities, and methods that define the DOE’s science and technology priorities.
Beyond your lab work, you’re invited to participate in PNNL’s “Gold Experience,” a professional development framework designed to deepen networking and career readiness. This includes onboarding sessions, facility tours, seminars with researchers, and skill-building workshops that help you grow your scientific communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Many interns have returned for additional terms or transitioned into full-time roles at PNNL after graduating, making this program a strong stepping stone for those interested in research careers, advanced degrees, or federal mission-driven STEM pathways.
Location: Richland, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Salary provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10–16 weeks
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are college sophomores, juniors, or seniors majoring in STEM fields or science policy
The National Security Internship Program (NSIP) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is designed for college students who want to contribute to national security challenges while learning directly from experts in the field. You’ll work alongside a research mentor on projects tied to PNNL’s national security mission, gaining exposure to advanced tools, technologies, and methods used across federal research initiatives. Beyond your day-to-day work, you’ll participate in seminars, workshops, facility tours, and networking sessions with PNNL leadership and scientific staff. At the end of the term, you’ll present your research at a symposium highlighting the impact of your contributions. NSIP placements span four divisions within the National Security Directorate: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Emerging Threats and Technologies, Nuclear, Chemistry and Biosciences, and Physical Detection Systems and Deployment.
Location: Richland, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Vary by posting. You can apply for open positions here
Application Deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: Undergraduate students majoring in business-related fields such as accounting, finance, contract management, and general business
PNNL’s Business Internship is designed for undergraduates who want to experience how a large research organization operates. You’ll be placed in a functional area such as accounting, finance, contracts, or general business, where you will work with a mentor and contribute to activities that support the lab’s scientific and operational work. Alongside your project work, you’ll participate in leadership and professional development activities, including lab demonstrations, workshops, communications training, and career-focused sessions. Depending on school requirements and internship length, some students may also earn academic credit.
Location: Washington State
Cost/Stipend: Compensation varies by placement
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer program; 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Opens in the fall; rolling
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering, computer science, data science, cybersecurity, materials science, chemistry, coastal science, and related fields
The Energy and Environment Internship Program (EEIP) offers college students a chance to contribute directly to PNNL’s mission of building a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future. This paid summer internship places you into one of five research divisions: Coastal Sciences, Earth Systems Science, Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings, Energy Processes and Materials, or Nuclear Sciences. You will work with research mentors on projects tied to national priorities in clean energy, environmental stewardship, and advanced scientific innovation. You’re also matched with a mentor based on academic background and career goals, ensuring the work is both meaningful and technically challenging. Alongside research, you’ll take part in PNNL’s Gold Experience, a lab-wide professional development model that provides leadership workshops, facility tours, networking events, and exposure to the broader scientific community.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Competitive hourly pay
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by department; part-time roles during the academic year and full-time options in summer
Application Deadline: Varies by posting
Eligibility: Students enrolled in accredited certificate, two-year, four-year, or graduate programs; minimum GPA 2.0 for most undergraduate roles (2.5 for accounting or engineering majors)
The City of Seattle offers a wide-ranging internship program that lets college students explore careers in public service while working on projects that directly support the community. The city provides opportunities in fields like technology, planning, environmental science, transportation, communications, housing, public health, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience that complements your academic work and helps you understand how a major metropolitan government operates. In addition to real-world project work, you’ll receive structured learning and professional development opportunities, flexible scheduling, commuter benefits, and access to the City’s Flash Mentorship Program.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: $7,100 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Nine-week internship
Application Deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 by program start; hold a Social Security Number or ITIN; currently enrolled and in good standing at an undergraduate, community, or technical college; not graduating before or during the program; strong communication and organizational skills required; must follow Seattle Children’s confidentiality and conduct policies; graduate and medical students not eligible
The Summer Scholars Program gives undergraduate students the chance to immerse themselves in real biomedical, clinical, community-focused, or translational research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. As scholars, you’ll join a research team to build technical skills, learn research design, and work with a mentor whose work aligns with your interests. The program places special emphasis on supporting those who are pursuing their first research experience, making it an accessible entry point for those new to the field. Alongside lab or project work, you’ll participate in a structured curriculum designed to strengthen your understanding of research ethics, explore scientific career pathways, and build a sense of community through biweekly professional development sessions. By the end of the nine weeks, you’ll prepare an abstract and present your findings at a final poster symposium, gaining experience in research communication and scientific writing.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: At least $625 per week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 10 consecutive weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Preliminary application: January 20; invited full application: February 27
Eligibility: Authorized to work in the U.S.; currently enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s program at an accredited U.S. college or university; must have a high school diploma or equivalent before applying; must remain enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the fall after the internship
ISB’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences Program places undergraduates directly into active research groups working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, computer science, information science, applied math, and engineering. After a two-step application process, selected students are matched with a mentor whose projects align with their interests and then spend 10 weeks in ISB’s Seattle facility. You’ll co-design a research project with your mentor, participate in lab meetings and institute events, and receive structured professional development through workshops, seminars, and team activities. Over the summer, you’ll build toward a final poster, presented at an institute-wide mini-symposium, and may be included in publications that emerge from your projects.
Location: Various host businesses across Washington StateStipend: $8,500
Program Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Student applications due April
Eligibility: Washington-based undergraduate students with junior or senior standing majoring in business, economics, engineering, environmental science, green chemistry, physical science, or sustainability science
The Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI) connects undergraduates with Washington businesses that want to improve their environmental performance. You’ll be paired with a host company and work on a defined pollution-prevention or sustainability challenge, such as cutting hazardous or solid waste, identifying safer chemical alternatives, conserving energy and water, reducing contaminants and emissions, improving efficiency and cost savings, or strengthening worker health and safety. Projects are technically grounded and can span tools like life-cycle assessment, cost–benefit analysis, energy or water audits, and materials or waste management, depending on the host’s needs. You’ll get hands-on project ownership, direct collaboration with industry partners, and mentoring from an engineer or scientist associated with WASI, culminating in real operational and environmental improvements for Washington businesses and waterways.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stipend: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22 to August 21
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Undergraduates entering the summer before their final year, quarter, or semester
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Fred Hutch is a highly selective research internship designed for college students preparing for careers in biomedical science. Over nine weeks, you’ll work with a faculty mentor to design and complete an independent research project, gaining experience with scientific inquiry, lab techniques, and data analysis. You’ll explore one of several research tracks ranging from basic sciences and human biology to clinical research, public health, infectious disease, and translational science, and wrap up the program by presenting your work during a competitive poster session.
Beyond research, SURP includes a structured professional development series that covers graduate and medical school preparation, personal statement writing, abstract development, and scientific communication. Weekly seminars expose you to a broad range of scientific fields and help you build confidence in both research and presentation skills.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. 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.
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