10 Internships for High School Students in Seattle
If you’re a high school student looking to work on your skills, engage in networking, and gain experience in an industry, consider internships! Internships provide real-world exposure to professional environments, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to practical tasks, develop essential skills, and explore potential career paths. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the intricacies of different industries and determining areas of interest.
Early professional exposure through internships not only equips you with relevant experience but also allows you to build a network of professional contacts! These experiences can lead to strong letters of recommendation, a clearer understanding of career goals, and a more impressive resume.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 10 internships for high school students located in Seattle!
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Stipend: Varies; some projects offer stipends, and others cover transportation costs.
Location: Greater Seattle area
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 cycle opened in April and closed in May. Check the website for updates next spring.
Program Dates: Dates are dependent on the project
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12 residing in and are permanent residents of the U.S.
The SPARKSIP program connects high school students in the Greater Seattle area with industry experts, esteemed professors, and community leaders. This program aims to provide professional environment exposure and hands-on, in-depth learning experiences..
Students can select up to five projects to apply for, with mentors typically assigned to 5-6 students per project. The program offers a diverse range of topics, including machine learning, AI, data visualization, and more. Past projects have included Python scripting for crossbar architecture, exploring Spiking Neural Networks, and data interfacing and visualization.
In addition to gaining technical skills, students benefit from professional development resources that are valuable during and after their college applications. The mentorship and networking opportunities provided by SPARKSIP are designed to prepare students for future careers in STEM fields. You can read more about it in our in-depth article here.
Stipend: Provided after successfully completing the internship. Students must provide their own housing.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Typically due in March.
Program Dates: June 24 - August 16, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their senior year or final term after the summer with a strong scientific background. Designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical sciences.
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers an exclusive, paid internship designed for rising 11th and 12th graders. This 8-week program is designed to provide students with an immersive research experience and professional development opportunities.
The first 2 weeks involve rigorous training in laboratory safety protocols and essential research techniques. The following 6 weeks are spent conducting hands-on research within Fred Hutch’s Seattle-based research groups, working closely with mentors on various research projects. Alongside their lab experience, interns benefit from educational and professional development through seminars and workshops focused on career advancement.
The program also emphasizes community building with organized social events, allowing interns to connect with peers and establish a supportive network. At the end of the internship, students present their research findings to the Fred Hutch community, wrapping up an immersive introduction to both biomedical research and professional development.
Stipend: Provided, but the amount is unspecified.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: March 10, 2024
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility:
Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Must have a Social Security Number (SSN)
Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Strong interest in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, public health, or a related scientific field.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is designed for students who live within commuting distance of downtown Seattle looking for a unique, immersive experience in biomedical research. This competitive program engages students in a variety of lab techniques, including microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, immunoassays, gene editing, and more.
The program also includes a series of lectures covering topics such as biochemistry, immunotherapy, global health issues, and infectious diseases. Workshops focus on college readiness and career exploration. Participants will work in teams on a research project, culminating in a presentation of their findings.
The RTP is designed to prepare students for future careers in biomedical research, offering a comprehensive introduction to laboratory techniques and scientific inquiry. The program prioritizes applicants seeking their first research experience to maximize its impact.
Stipend: $20/hour
Location: Redmond, WA
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors who have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course. Must live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S. throughout the duration of the program.
The Microsoft Discovery Program offers a unique opportunity for high school students to work on real-world projects at Microsoft. This 4-week internship is designed to help students explore their interests in computer science, engineering, and technology while developing crucial career readiness skills.
Known as “Discoverers,” participants are immersed in learning fundamental programming skills and working on practical projects in the tech industry. The Discovery Program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to engage directly with Microsoft professionals and industry experts. In addition to technical training, interns will benefit from career development workshops and mentorship, gaining insights into various career paths within the industry.
This prestigious internship not only provides practical experience and professional development but also offers a significant boost to any resume, making it an invaluable opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in technology.
Stipend: A stipend is provided
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: The deadline for the summer program is May, and for the winter program it is November.
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, 10 weeks in the winter
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16-18 who are authorized to work in the U.S.
The Port of Seattle's Internship Program offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for high school students interested in exploring various careers within the port’s operations. The program aims to equip students with essential skills in a corporate environment, focusing on practical, meaningful work rather than mundane tasks.
Interns are placed in diverse departments such as aviation operations, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, and green jobs. Throughout the program, interns will learn the Port’s Code of Conduct, communications technology, and business skills including diversity and inclusion, process improvement, project management, networking, public speaking, communication, and leadership. The program includes various career awareness activities such as mentorship meetings, facility tours, and resume workshops.
The Port of Seattle’s internship program is designed to create a pipeline of talent for future port-related careers. By providing a supportive and dynamic work environment, the program can help students develop both personally and professionally.
Stipend: Internships are paid.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Opportunities are posted in early April each year.
Program Dates: Mid-June/early July to end of August.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 with a minimum GPA of 2; Must be a U.S. citizen.
Seattle City Light offers a comprehensive 8-week, paid summer internship program designed to provide high school students with practical experience in the utilities sector. The program is an excellent opportunity for students interested in energy production and distribution to gain firsthand knowledge and develop essential skills.
Interns at Seattle City Light will engage in various administrative tasks, assist in significant projects, and participate in special training sessions. The program emphasizes professional development, providing students with the chance to work closely with professionals. As an intern, you will learn about the business of utilities while working on projects that impact the community.
Stipend: Stipend provided.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: April - mid-June
Program Dates: This two-year program begins early July.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
The Youth Maritime Program, managed by Evergreen Goodwill in partnership with the Youth Maritime Collaborative, offers a comprehensive 2-year internship designed for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the maritime industry. The program provides a structured transition through participants’ senior year towards college readiness and maritime career opportunities.
Participants will attend field trips and learn skills related to boat maintenance, repair, and small-boat sailing. Through experiential learning events, you’ll network with maritime experts, community leaders, and potential employers, gaining valuable insights and professional connections. The program includes opportunities to earn short-term certifications and provides support for up to 4 quarters of college or direct employment placement.
Stipend: Interns are paid an hourly rate based on local living wage standards (For 2024, it is $22.77/hr)
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in April and close in MayProgram Dates: June 17 - August 23, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 18-24.
The Seattle Good Business Network’s internship program offers a paid opportunity for high school students to gain valuable work experience with local businesses, manufacturers, and public agencies. The program is designed to support young people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
Interns must complete a minimum of 240 hours of work, which includes flexible weekly schedules determined by each business host and intern. The program covers a wide range of roles, including administrative support, social media management, eCommerce, inventory management, customer service, and more. Sponsored by the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle, this program provides invaluable experience and networking opportunities for young professionals.
Stipend: $20/hour and an ORCA card.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Check back in March 2025Program Dates: July 8 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students 16+
The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship, a partnership between the King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, offers high school students a 5-week paid internship experience focused on local environmental issues, solutions, and careers related to clean water. The program is designed for students new to environmental topics and those from underrepresented communities in environmental careers.
Participants will enhance their communication abilities, design and execute projects, and engage in field trips and workshops. This program provides exposure to careers related to communications, community involvement, education, engineering, and environmental science, working in both office and field environments.
Another option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you are looking to start your research journey with 1–1 mentorship from a top Ph.D. scholar in forensic science, check out the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. 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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