14 STEM Internships for High School Students in Seattle, Washington
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 12
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 11
If you are a high school student in Seattle, WA, interested in STEM, an internship in your field of interest can be a great way to get some early work experience.
Seattle is home to major tech companies, research institutions, and startups that offer high school students opportunities to explore science, tech, engineering, and math through internships. A STEM internship can help you explore the real-world applications of classroom concepts, build professional skills, and connect with experts and professionals in industry and academia.
This experience can give you a head start in your future career and even strengthen your college applications and résumé. As an intern, you will also get to work on projects and tasks in your field of choice, helping you decide if this is something you want to pursue in the future.
To help you shortlist the right options, we have come up with a list of internships that offer prestige, rigorous professional experience, and opportunities to network with researchers, engineers, and other experts. We also focused on internships that offer opportunities to make real contributions to research or product development, along with early exposure to workplace culture and STEM career pathways.
Here are 14 STEM internships for high school students in Seattle, Washington:
Location: Fred Hutch campus, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend + free OCRA card for commuting in the greater Seattle area is offered
Application deadline: March 31
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year
Fred Hutch’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an intensive, eight-week biomedical science-based research experience for rising seniors. If selected, you will start with two weeks of hands-on lab training focused on safety, experimental techniques, and core skills at the Fred Hutch Training Labs. Then, you will join a research group for six weeks of mentored lab work, where you will get to contribute to ongoing biomedical research. Alongside research work, you will attend seminars, skill-building workshops, and career-focused sessions that cover college pathways as well as key skills like professional communication. The program also includes social events and community-building activities with other interns. You will finish the session by presenting your work to researchers, peers, and family.
Location: Remote
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort: Summer: May deadline | Spring: January | Fall: September | Winter: November
Dates: Multiple cohorts (summer, spring, fall, and winter) throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program for high school students interested in working with a high-growth start-up. Here, the start-ups are high-growth companies (having raised over a million dollars, on average) that operate in a variety of industries, including STEM areas like tech/deep tech, AI/ML, and health tech. As an intern, you will work closely with the start-up manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects relevant to your assigned organization. You will also get to present your work to the company at the end of the session. This experience can offer you hands-on work experience in a STEM field of your choice.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend may be offered
Application deadline: March/April; exact dates TBA
Dates: TBA; the 8- to 10-week mentorship program typically runs from June to August
Eligibility: High school students in the U.S. | Each mentorship opportunity may come with additional requirements in terms of skills and education
The SPARK Summer Mentorship Program connects high school students with mentors from startups, established companies, and academia. If selected, you will work on unique STEM-based projects, involving hands-on research, data collection and analysis, and/or development of new models or technology. You will work with professors, industry experts, and mentors on these real-world tasks. Every year, the program offers opportunities in various fields, including data science, AI, engineering, and physics. For instance, you may work on tasks like proofreading/editing the draft versions of textbook-based problems related to quantum mechanics. This internship can provide hands-on work experience in a professional environment as well as opportunities to explore your academic interests.
Location: Hybrid/remote options as well as in-person at various Port of Seattle departments, including SEA Airport, Marine Maintenance South (SODO), Shilshole Bay Marina & Fishermen’s Terminal, and Pier 69 in Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Application deadline: May 18
Dates: Internships are typically offered in the summer; dates vary based on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship, enrolled in high school or a GED completion program, and authorized to work in the U.S.
The Port of Seattle’s High School Internship Program offers paid summer internships to high school students every year. As an intern, you will get some hands-on experience working in departments like aviation operations, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, and green jobs. You will participate in real projects that impact local communities and the regional economy, while developing professional skills such as project management, public speaking, and leadership. The experience can offer you insights into the work carried out at a public organization. You will also get to engage in mentorship meetings, LinkedIn 101 sessions, facility tours, and resume workshops during the program.
Location: Baliga Lab and/or in other Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) Labs in Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $5,000 offered
Application deadline: March 14
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Eligibility: High school students in 11th grade
The ISB is a nonprofit that, through its Systems Education Experiences Program, offers 4–10 high school students paid research internships each year. As an intern, you will conduct systems biology research under the guidance of a mentor and possibly assist with the development of instructional modules for school students. For your research experience, you can choose from topics in computational biology, microbiology, cancer, systems medicine, and bioengineering with algae. You will work in labs and get to interact with ISB professionals. You will also get opportunities to develop computational and lab skills. You will also work on developing a website that describes your internship experience and project. The program can help you explore career paths in biology, engineering, and research, as well as get some hands-on lab-based research experience.
Location: Seattle City Light, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: A stipend is offered
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June/early-July to late August
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and have a minimum GPA of 2.0
Seattle City Light, the public utility, offers internships to high school students interested in exploring the energy sector. The eight-week, paid summer internship allows you to learn about the operations of a leading public utility by engaging in administrative tasks, project assistance, and fieldwork. As an intern, you will also engage in conversations with executive leaders, professional development workshops, and sessions on equity and social justice in the workplace. At the end of the internship, you get to share your experiences and learnings with mentors and peers. This experience can help you get insights into electricity distribution as well as civic engagement.
Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; students receive a stipend of $2,000
Application deadline: March 9
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising 10th graders who live within commuting distance of the program site
Seattle Children’s Research Training Program (RTP) is a paid, four-week research opportunity for high schoolers. Here, you will get to develop foundational lab skills and explore topics in biochemistry, gene editing, infectious disease, and immunotherapy. During the program, you will work in a professional biomedical laboratory, learning how to utilize real research tools and techniques, and exploring major areas of human health. You will undergo training and build skills to eventually work on your independent research project. The program also offers workshops on college readiness and career exploration, helping you build a strong foundation for a future in science or medicine.
Location: Evergreen Goodwill’s Job Training & Education Center at King County, Seattle, WA
Cost: Free; students can receive up to $5,000
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: Two-year program—School year commitment: January–June and September–December (two Saturdays a month); Summer commitment: July–August (Monday through Friday)
Eligibility: High school students
The Goodwill Youth Maritime Program is a two-year, paid opportunity for high school students to build both technical and professional skills while exploring careers in the maritime industry. You will earn industry-recognized certifications like CPR, OSHA, and Food Handler permits, participate in service learning and civic engagement, and gain access to financial literacy training and college/career readiness workshops. The program combines team-based learning with case management support to help you navigate postsecondary pathways. You will also volunteer in your community, connect with professionals in the field, and develop a solid foundation for work in one of Seattle’s key industries. This experience can also help you learn about civic engagement and build team-building skills.
Location: TAF Bethaday Learning Center at Dick Thurnau Memorial Park, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Paid internship; amount not specified
Application deadline: TBA
Dates: July 8 – August 14
Eligibility: King County high school students entering grades 10 – 12
The King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a paid summer program for high school students interested in environmental justice, sustainability, and public service. The program can introduce you to careers in parks, conservation, and environmental stewardship through field trips, discussions, and hands-on learning. Throughout the summer, you will explore the intersection of environmental and racial justice, participate in service projects, and meet with professionals working in environmental science, public health, and community-based planning. If you are curious about sustainability or environmental engineering, the program offers an early glimpse into applied science and policy, data analysis, and public-sector problem-solving. During the program, you will also get opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while gaining valuable insights into how science and equity intersect in local communities.
Location: Downtown Seattle, WA
Cost: Paid internship; amount not specified
Application deadline: April 21
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a paid summer program for high school students interested in environmental science, sustainability, and public service. Offered by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division in partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, this program provides you with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and education. Throughout the internship, you will learn about local environmental issues and solutions as well as explore careers focused on clean water in the region. You will also develop professional skills through workshops, field trips, and collaborative projects. This opportunity can offer you some practical experience in environmental science and public health, while helping you understand the link between science and community engagement.
Location: Virtual and in-person internships offered at various sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; most interns get stipends
Application deadline: Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27 | Fall: May 22
Dates: Fall, spring, and summer internships are offered each year. The exact dates vary for each internship.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers various research and internship opportunities to students, including virtual options. These NASA internships can help you get some hands-on STEM-based work experience and the chance to learn directly from the agency’s researchers and engineers. Each internship typically involves project work such as designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and/or helping with the development of new technologies. As an intern, you may get to assist NASA staff members with tasks in the areas of engineering, space science, astronomy, or even administration. This experience can help you get insights into the daily operations of a space agency.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Students who are older than 14 and entering grades 9 to 12 in the fall
Stanford’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers two-week virtual internships to high schoolers every year. Here, you will get to explore how machine learning/AI is transforming biomedical research and clinical workflows. Through daily lectures, technical labs, and collaborative group projects, you will study how algorithms are used to interpret scans, predict disease, and support decision-making in healthcare. The curriculum includes sessions on ethics, data privacy, and equity in AI, as well as talks from Stanford faculty and professionals in the field. You will get to apply your programming and statistical knowledge to a hands-on project that simulates a real-world clinical AI problem.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Application deadline: None
Program dates: Flexible; half-time internships last 2 to 8 weeks in summer, and quarter-time internships last 1 to 9 months
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have enrolled in at least one honors science/English class and hold a minimum GPA of 3.25
EnergyMag’s virtual internships offer high schoolers hands-on experiences in energy storage and renewable energy. During the internship, you will learn about and analyze a given company, technology, or market alongside a mentor who will guide you and supervise your work. As an EnergyMag intern, you will conduct research on the given topic, collate and analyze data, and create an analysis report. You will also reach out to relevant stakeholders to get relevant information. This experience can help you pick up key on-the-job skills, including research and communication. Your report will be published on the EnergyMag site.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee, which is waived based on financial need; no stipend
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP offers high schoolers various in-person and virtual research internship opportunities each year. While applying, you can choose a mentor and a health-related research area offering remote internships. During the program, you will contribute to STEM research and work alongside faculty members. You can choose from research areas like chemistry, engineering, astronomy, physics, computer science, and biology, among other STEM disciplines. You will also get opportunities to develop communication and scientific writing skills and attend discussion forums and meetings. This experience can offer you some exposure to the research process and lab-based research settings. As an ASSIP intern, you may also get to present your work at scientific conferences.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue independent research in a STEM field, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective virtual high school programs for students founded in partnership with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. In the past, over 4,000 students applied for just 500 spots in the program. You can find the application form here.
Additionally, consider checking out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
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.
Image Source - SPARK Summer Mentorship Program logo