Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Washington

Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Washington

The top research programs available for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children's

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Washington,WA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

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.

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.

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.

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

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

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.

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

No deadline

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.

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

No deadline

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 Research Institute – Virtual Research Training Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children's

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle,WA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

Seattle Children's Research Institute provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to engage in a week-long immersive research experience. Through this program, students collaborate closely with PhD-level scientists and gain hands-on exposure to laboratory work and courses in disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, infectious diseases, and gene editing. The program is offered free of cost and includes workshops and activities designed to enhance college readiness and encourage exploration of career interests. Participating in this program can be a significant stepping stone for students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research or related fields.

Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Seattle Children's

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Seattle,WA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

In this 1-week program, students have the opportunity to delve into the key fundamentals of research while gaining practical, hands-on experience and knowledge in the field of global health. Through interactive sessions and engaging activities, participants will explore various aspects of global health, including its challenges, trends, and potential solutions. They will also have the chance to engage in research projects, allowing them to apply their learning and develop valuable research skills. Additionally, the program offers workshops focused on college readiness and career exploration, providing students with guidance and insights into further academic pursuits and potential career paths in the field of global health. This comprehensive program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and readiness for both college and future endeavors in the field of global health.

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

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an immersive 8-week full-time internship catered towards rising high school seniors, with a particular focus on students from underrepresented communities who have a keen interest in biomedical science. The program aims to provide students with valuable experience and exposure in the field. Participants receive comprehensive training in laboratory safety techniques and skills through the Fred Hutch Training Labs, engage in research education seminars, attend professional development workshops, and benefit from mentorship provided by research groups at Fred Hutch. Applications for the program's 2022 edition will be open starting from February 1st. Additionally, students receive a stipend for their active participation in the program.

What is a Research Project?

Research projects involve conducting in-depth investigations on a specific subject matter, which presents an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, enhance their critical thinking and analytical abilities, as well as showcase their dedication and concentration, which can positively impact their chances of being accepted into college.

Why Do Research as a High School Student in Washington?

Over the years, many college admissions experts have seen that conducting research can drive strong results. Data from Harvard suggests that students that have demonstrated a history of “substantial scholarship or academic creativity”, including conducting independent research, have a much greater chance of gaining admission. In fact, 95% of students who completed our program were admitted to R1 universities. More importantly, Research allow students to pursue their passions, which helps develop self-esteem and leads to a variety of positive mental health outcomes

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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