12 Business Internships for High School Students in Washington
If you're a high schooler in Washington considering a business career, consider participating in a summer internship. They’re affordable, often free, and sometimes come with a stipend, meaning you can gain experience and earn while you learn. Many business internships for high school students help you build real skills, grow your network, and explore what working in areas like finance, operations, or marketing feels like.
Several top universities and companies offer business internships for high school students, making it a great addition to your resume. However, with so many options available, it can be hard to know which internship meets your goals.
Here are 12 business internships for high school students in Washington that you can check out!
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane in Washington; Final summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Dates: 8 weeks + the Leadership Summit week (July 21 – 26)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
One of the top business internships available to high school students is the Bank of America Student Leaders Program. It is a paid, eight-week experience that allows you to gain practical knowledge in civic leadership, accounting, and finance. You'll work on impactful projects like budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic planning while building strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Throughout the program, you’ll connect with professionals across industries, attend expert-led sessions, and join career-focused workshops. These opportunities enhance your personal and professional development.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: varies across programs; Financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
With Ladder Internships, you can gain internship experience at fast-growing companies while still in high school. These companies span a range of industries, including tech, AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, journalism, consulting, marketing, and more. Ladder’s start-up partners stand out, each having raised over a million dollars on average. During the eight-week remote program, you’ll work with managers and Ladder Coaches on meaningful projects, concluding with a final presentation of your work to the company. The application form is available here.
3. Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World
Location: Remote
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority Deadline); May 1 (Final Deadline)
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18; Session 3: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12
Wharton’s Future of the Business World is a two-week online summer experience designed for high school students interested in global business innovation. You’ll take part in interactive lectures, simulations, and team-based discussions. Topics range from design thinking to strategic forecasting and group problem-solving. Alongside peers, you’ll develop a final project that reimagines the future of international commerce. The program challenges you to reflect critically on your potential to influence the business world of tomorrow.
4. High School Internships at Seattle City Light
Location: Seattle City Light, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Dates: 8 weeks running from mid-June/early July – August
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a minimum GPA of 2.0
Through the High School Internships at Seattle City Light, you can engage in paid, practical work exploring the utility industry. You’ll get to take part in administrative work, help advance projects, and see utility operations during field visits. The program provides opportunities to interact with executive leaders and join workshops designed for interns. You’ll also examine workplace equity and social justice concepts as part of your learning. At the end, you share your insights and experiences in a presentation to your mentors and peers.
5. The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Washington
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: September – Early January
Dates: 8 weeks; Typically starts in May/June
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+) with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Program is a competitive program that places high school and college students in hands-on roles within the media and technology industries. Each summer, 150 students are matched with top organizations to work in departments like advertising, marketing, production, IT, sales, and public relations. You can explore different areas of business, such as journalism, web development, engineering, or communications, while gaining practical workplace experience. The program also includes mentorship and professional development to help you grow your skills and industry knowledge. This internship offers a clear view of media and technology careers through real-world exposure.
6. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Varies based on internship; Virtual options available
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: April 11
Dates: August to May
Eligibility: High school students
At the PNNL High School Business Internship, you'll build valuable experience in multiple business sectors. Intern roles span across finance, business services, operations, and communications. Your daily schedule includes morning classes, then up to four hours working at the lab each afternoon. You might join lab activities, go on field excursions, or contribute to research and communication efforts. If your interest lies in finance or economics, you can apply directly to departments that match your goals.
7. Wharton Global Youth Program: Financial Decision Making
Location: Remote
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority Deadline); May 1 (Final Deadline)
Dates: June 16 – 27; July 7 – 18
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12
Wharton’s Financial Decision Making program equips high school students with core knowledge in economics and personal finance. You’ll participate in daily lectures covering topics like debt management, investing, saving, and financial tools. Using data sets and project-based learning, you’ll sharpen your research and decision-making skills. The coursework is inspired by Wharton’s top-tier undergraduate finance curriculum. You’ll also work with international peers to strengthen collaboration and problem-solving. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Wharton Global Youth Certificate of Completion.
8. Interns 4-Good
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Opportunities are available year-round
Dates: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
With Interns4Good, high school students can find internships at nonprofit organizations from around the country. The site is frequently updated with roles across various business fields, helping you develop valuable skills while giving back. You’ll be required to log weekly updates summarizing your responsibilities and hours, which are tracked for official documentation. You can apply at any time, and your schedule will depend on the nonprofit organization you select.
9. High School Internships at the Port of Seattle
Location: Port of Seattle, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: May 5 – May 18
Dates: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age before the beginning of the internship
The Port of Seattle’s high school internship program places you on real projects supporting the regional economy and local communities. You can work at SEA Airport or along the Seattle waterfront in career focus areas such as aviation operations, maritime operations, governance, community engagement, or green jobs. The internship helps you gain skills necessary for success in a corporate setting. You also gain professional experience at a long-standing public organization. You can explore currently available opportunities here.
10. New York Institute of Finance Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 years
The New York Institute of Finance offers multiple programs for students interested in finance, economics, and business. The Young Finance Scholar Program will offer foundational knowledge in areas like corporate finance, Wall Street fundamentals, and equity markets through lessons and group projects. The YFS Online Program is open to middle and high school students and combines theory with practical learning to develop an ethical, analytical mindset. In the YFS Accelerated Program, you will learn essential financial and entrepreneurial concepts through five expert-led lectures.
11. Youth Business and Leadership Program
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Cost: $4,498 (commuter); $7,498 (residential)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: July 13 – July 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and juniors (must have completed 8th grade by the program start date) with a 3.0 GPA
The Youth Business and Leadership Program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business offers you a two-week experience focused on business and leadership. The program combines academics and hands-on learning. You will develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while working on a real-world case competition based on a global coffee company. Corporate visits, interactive workshops, and collaboration with diverse peers enhance your understanding of business challenges. By the end, you will present solutions to a panel of experts and gain insights into effective problem-solving.
12. AMHS Business Pathway Program
Location: Archbishop Murphy High School, Everett, WA
Cost: $150 + DECA membership and competition fees
Application Deadline: September 15
Dates: This is a 2-4 year elective program
Eligibility: 9th-11th graders
The AMHS Business Pathway Program gives you the chance to explore fields like business administration, finance, marketing, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. The best time to begin is in 9th or 10th grade, but you can also enroll in 11th grade if you are taking an Introduction to Business course. You’ll complete three required courses: Introduction to Business, Marketing & Management, and either an Internship or Future Ready. The program includes DECA membership, with mandatory conference participation and annual dues. You’ll also complete 24 business-related volunteer hours beyond school-wide requirements. It’s a 2-4 year elective pathway, depending on when you enter.