13 Research and Summer Programs in Washington For High School Students

The top research programs in Washington for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability. See research opportunities in other states here.

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 16, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

Explore the program

Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

Research Training Program (RTP)

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 10, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry, Medicine

Summary

The Research Training Program (RTP) is an in-person program with a competitive application process and is intended for local students who live within a two-hour commute of downtown Seattle. This is for students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the biomedical and health sciences.

Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA)

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Hosting Institution

Ocean Research College Academy

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Everett (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

May 1, 2024

Categories

Biology, Chemistry

Summary

ORCA is an innovative early college academy for high school students, who can earn up to two years of college credit while completing their high school graduation requirements. The ORCA experience is the only early college of its kind in the country, designed around the best of what we know about teaching and learning. The program utilizes the study of the ocean as inspiration for our approaches to learning, building on the power of engaging in active research in the local environment and across disciplines. The innovative early college design allows similar-age students to work in a cohort and with the same talented college faculty.

Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)

See website

Hosting Institution

Spark SIP

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

Spark SIP is an exceptional program designed for students who have a keen interest in computer science and related fields. It provides a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from and establish connections with renowned industry professionals. The program encompasses an internship program that allows students to engage in research projects within real-world settings. To be eligible for participation, students are required to be available for full-time work, dedicating 30-40 hours per week, over a period of 8-12 weeks during the summer. This commitment ensures that students can fully immerse themselves in the internship experience and gain meaningful insights and practical skills. As part of their involvement in the program, students may be eligible to receive a stipend. The maximum stipend offered by the program is $500, providing financial support to participants during their internship period. Overall, Spark SIP offers a comprehensive platform for students to expand their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and establish valuable connections in the field of computer science and related areas, setting the stage for future success in their chosen careers.

Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Virtual Research Training Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 10, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

Participating students in this program have the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop familiarity with research methodologies, while also expanding their understanding of global health. Additionally, they will engage in workshops focused on college readiness and career exploration, providing valuable guidance for their future endeavors. The program offers a blend of online and in-person components to cater to different learning preferences and circumstances.

Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children's Hospital

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Washington (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 9, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

The program offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience and familiarity with research, while also expanding their understanding of global health. Additionally, participants will engage in workshops focused on college preparedness and exploring career options. The program includes both online and in-person elements to cater to different preferences and circumstances.

Fred Hutch – Summer High School Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Fred Hutch

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 30, 2024

Categories

Biology

Summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers a prestigious 8-week summer research internship program for rising high school seniors. This highly competitive program provides students with a unique opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and researchers at Fred Hutch, a renowned institution known for its groundbreaking contributions to the field of biological sciences, cancer research, epidemiology, and more. During the program, participants engage in hands-on laboratory work, gain exposure to cutting-edge research techniques and technologies, and contribute to ongoing research projects. The program aims to foster students' passion for science, nurture their research skills, and inspire them to pursue careers in the biomedical field. As a testament to the program's value, participants receive a stipend to support their involvement and dedication to the research internship. This program at Fred Hutch equips rising high school seniors with invaluable experiences and insights into the world of scientific discovery, setting them on a path towards future success in the field of biomedical research.

Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Fred Hutch

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 31, 2024

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship offers a unique opportunity for rising high school seniors from underrepresented communities to engage in the field of biomedical science. This full-time, 8-week internship provides students with hands-on training in laboratory safety techniques and skills within the Fred Hutch Training Labs. In addition to the lab experience, participants have the chance to attend research education seminars, participate in professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from research groups at Fred Hutch. The program aims to foster a supportive and enriching environment where students can explore their passion for biomedical science and gain valuable insights into research.

Microsoft's Imagine Cup

See website

Hosting Institution

Microsoft

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Redmond (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Imagine competition is open to students in grades 7 to 12 and aims to recognize outstanding software projects developed using Microsoft tools and technology. The competition seeks to highlight innovation, accessibility, groundbreaking ideas, and overall appeal in the software created. It's important to note that the competition structure may vary based on the country or region participants represent, so it is essential to review the specific rules and guidelines provided for your local competition. By participating in Imagine, students have the opportunity to showcase their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities using Microsoft tools and technology.

Seattle Children’s Hospital’s (Science Education Department) Research Training Program for High School Students

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

Mar 10, 2024

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Research Training Program (RTP) is a specialized program designed for high school students interested in biomedical research. Led by PhD-level scientists, RTP offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a research laboratory and explore various topics in the field of biomedicine, including biochemistry, immunotherapy, gene editing, and infectious diseases. Through lectures, lab activities, and workshops, participants will deepen their understanding of important scientific concepts and develop skills in research methodology. The program also provides valuable guidance on college preparedness and career development. RTP specifically aims to support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the biomedical and health sciences, making it an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants.

University of Washington’s Center for Neurotechnology Young Scholars Program – REACH

See website

Hosting Institution

Center for Neurotechnology

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle (WA)

Cost

$100-$500

Application Deadline

Mar 14, 2024

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

The University of Washington's Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) offers a five-day summer program called YSP-REACH specifically designed for high school students interested in STEM careers, with a focus on neural engineering and neuroscience. The program provides an introduction to various aspects of these fields, including neuroscience, neural engineering, neuroethics, and scientific communication. Participants will also receive updates on the latest developments in brain-computer interfaces. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to visit partner labs in departments such as Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The goal of YSP-REACH is to expose students to the field of neural engineering and provide them with foundational knowledge for college studies in STEM subjects and future careers in STEM.

Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Microsoft

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Redmond (WA)

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

Microsoft's High School Discovery Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and explore technology opportunities at Microsoft. As participants in the program, known as "Discoverers," students will follow a curriculum that focuses on learning programming fundamentals and developing career readiness skills. They will also receive mentorship from Microsoft employees who can guide them on their tech journey. Through this program, students will discover how their passions can evolve into a career in technology at Microsoft and beyond.

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in Washington?

Washington presents abundant research opportunities for high school students. Renowned universities like the University of Washington and Washington State University offer diverse academic programs and research initiatives. Prominent research institutions, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, provide internships and mentorship programs. High school students in Washington can explore diverse disciplines, collaborate with renowned researchers, and benefit from the state's thriving research ecosystem.

What research opportunities are available in other cities?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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