15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Seattle

If you are a high school student in Seattle looking to spend your summer productively, you can consider an internship in the region. Internships can help provide experience, build professional skills, and help you explore different career paths before applying to college or other research programs! Additionally, you gain a clear understanding of workplace culture and expectations, develop professionalism, and practice critical thinking. Some internships even offer stipends, providing a cost-effective way to test potential careers without committing to expensive college programs.

Many universities and organizations, including several in Seattle, host internships each year in the summer. If you’re based in Seattle, summer internships can offer a great foundation to explore local industries and build a network early on.

In this blog, we have compiled a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Seattle. 

1. Ladder Internships

 Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, limited cohorts
Dates:  Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies; Summer deadlines typically in May
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)

 Founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships offers competitive virtual internships for high school students with early-stage startups in tech, AI, health tech, marketing, consulting, and journalism. You will complete projects guided by startup mentors and Ladder coaches, gaining valuable industry exposure and skills. The experience culminates in a final presentation to the partner firm, making it an excellent opportunity to boost resumes, grow professionally, and explore future academic and career paths.

2. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center – SHIP

Location: Fred Hutch Training Labs, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (20–30 students)
Dates: June 23–August 15 (8 weeks full‑time)
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a strong science interest
Stipend: Paid (Amount not specified)

 The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week paid internship for rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science. It starts with two weeks of lab safety training, followed by six weeks of mentored research at Fred Hutch. You will also attend seminars, career workshops, and social events, ending with a work presentation. The internship concludes with a final presentation to researchers, peers, and families, showcasing your contributions.

3. Seattle Children’s Research Training for High School Students

 Location: B. Wayne Hughes Building, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (20–30 participants)
Dates: July 14 - August 8
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors residing within commuting distance of downtown Seattle.
Stipend: $2,000

 The Seattle Children’s Research Institute hosts a month-long summer program inviting high school students to explore biomedical research. The program promotes diversity and aims to inspire future leaders in healthcare and science through experience and meaningful mentorship in a professional research scenario. Throughout the month, you’ll work alongside scientists and research staff, gaining insight into what it’s like to be part of an active research team. You will learn lab skills like PCR and microscopy, attend career workshops, and present your projects.

4. Student Assistant Program by The Seattle Public Library

Location: Various public libraries in Seattle
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: cohort size not specified, competitive
Dates: Varies by library – typically summer placements
Application Deadline: Varies by location—check the specific library website
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school, GED program, undergraduate, or vocational school
Stipend: Paid an hourly wage (Depends on the library district)

The Student Assistant Program is a summer initiative that places high school students in public libraries, where they assist with daily tasks such as sorting and shelving books, helping patrons, and providing basic tech support. Ideal if you are seeking part-time, in-person employment, this internship offers valuable experience in a community-oriented environment. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance from library staff to learn best practices for organizing materials and assisting visitors. You’ll also participate in orientation sessions to familiarize yourself with library policies and technologies that will help develop customer service skills and build confidence.

5. Port of Seattle High School Internships

Location: Various SEA airports or waterfront offices
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship and are authorized to work in the US
Stipend: Paid

The Port of Seattle offers high school students practical exposure to careers in the aviation, maritime, and environmental sectors. You will develop professional skills through mentorship, workplace tours, resume and interview workshops, networking events, and leadership training. This program introduces you to high-demand industries and equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed in future academic and career paths. You’ll visit key facilities like airports, shipping terminals, and environmental research centers to see operations up close. Additionally, you’ll engage directly with professionals who share insights into their day-to-day work and career journeys.

6. Youth Maritime Program

Location: Dearborn Place S, Seattle, WA
Cohort size: 20–30 students
Dates: 2-year program that starts in early July
Application Deadline: Mid-June
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Stipend: Paid

 The Goodwill Youth Maritime Program is a two-year paid opportunity for high school students to build career, college, and life skills. You will be prepared for success beyond graduation through maritime training, service learning, civic engagement, and team-building activities. You’ll learn practical skills like navigation, vessel maintenance, and safety protocols from experienced maritime professionals. Alongside training, you’ll participate in community projects that strengthen leadership and teamwork abilities.

7. Youth Aerospace Program 

Location: Snohomish and King County Job Training & Education Center, Everett, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 2-year program with a summer full-time
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors interested in aerospace
Stipend: Paid 

The Youth Aerospace Program is a competitive two-year internship for high school students, accepting just 20 participants. It offers an inclusive experience in the aerospace field through weekend and summer sessions. The program combines proactive learning with mentorship to prepare you for success in STEM and beyond. Throughout the program, you’ll work on projects involving drone technology, aerodynamics, and spacecraft design, applying concepts you learn in onsite practice. You’ll also attend workshops led by aerospace engineers and industry experts who share insights into emerging technologies.

8. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Redmond, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 8–August
Application Deadline: Typically late February
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who reside within 50 miles of Redmond
Stipend: $20/hour

Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is a 4-week paid internship that is designed to spark interest in tech careers. During the internship, you will engage in interactive coding sessions where you will learn languages like Python and JavaScript. You’ll also collaborate with peers on group projects that challenge your problem-solving abilities and creativity. Mentors from Microsoft’s engineering teams will provide personalized feedback and career advice according to your goals. In addition, workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace culture will prepare you for future internships or jobs. 

9. UW Botanic Garden Youth Summer Internship 

Location: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 20–30 teens
Dates: July 7–August 1
Application Deadline: May 23
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 to 18 years old
Stipend: $1,750

Hosted at the Washington Park Arboretum, this internship provides experience through eco-projects and engaging with children in camp settings. You’ll take part in habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and native plant propagation. You’ll also help design and lead educational activities for campers, developing your communication and leadership skills. Regular discussions and workshops will introduce you to pressing environmental challenges facing the region.

10. Seattle City Light’s High School Internships

Location: Seattle City Light Office, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not public, structured cohorts
Dates: Mid-June to August
Application Deadline: Early May
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are US citizens
Stipend: Paid

Seattle City Light’s 8-week paid summer internship offers high school students experience in the energy and utilities sector. You will contribute to projects, perform administrative duties, and participate in professional development workshops while engaging with executive leaders. It will give you the opportunity to collaborate with teams working on clean energy initiatives and learn about innovative technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. The program culminates in a final presentation.

11. Seattle Good Business Network Internship

Location: Seattle Good Business Network, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/ Cohort: Selective
Dates: June 7 - August 23
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: Open to students aged 18 to 24 years
Stipend: $22.77/hour

Seattle Good Business Network’s paid internship program offers high school students experience with local businesses and agencies. You will take on roles in administrative support, social media, and e-commerce, building practical, job-ready skills. This internship helps develop skills in managing digital platforms, customer communication, and basic business operations. With flexible schedules and support from city and workforce partnerships, the program also provides valuable networking opportunities with professionals across industries, helping you build your resume and explore potential career paths.

12. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship

Location: Downtown Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/ Cohort Size: Around 12–24 students
Dates: July 7–August 7
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship
Stipend: $20/hour

The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a 5-week paid program for high school students that focuses on clean water challenges and career exploration. During the internship, you’ll collaborate with environmental experts and community leaders to understand water quality issues in your area. The program encourages you to design and implement community awareness campaigns, building your project management skills. You’ll attend workshops on public speaking and advocacy, and participate in field trips to local water treatment plants and natural waterways.

13. SPARK Summer Internship Program

Location: Greater Seattle area with some remote options
Acceptance rate/ Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Cost & Stipend: $25 application fee. Stipends vary—up to $500 for some projects

The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP) offers high school students nationwide a chance to work on  STEM projects in AI, biotech, and robotics. You will collaborate in small teams with industry experts and professors, attend interactive workshops, and present your work. The internship will introduce you to advanced technologies and teach you how to tackle complex problems with creative solutions. This experience builds practical skills, expands STEM career knowledge, and provides insight into research settings. 

14. Open Science Quest

Location: Allen Institute, Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 18 students accepted
Dates: July 14 - 25
Application deadline: April 23
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a biology class
Stipend: $500

Open Science Quest is a biomedical lab program at the Allen Institute for high school students interested in neuroscience, cell biology, and immunology. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with researchers, learning lab techniques like microscopy, cell culture, and molecular analysis. You will explore complex biological systems that help with data interpretation and critical thinking. Additionally, you’ll attend regular seminars and discussions that will deepen your understanding of current scientific challenges and breakthroughs. The program offers mentorship and project-based learning, providing a strong foundation in scientific research. 

15. The Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program

Location: Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands (5513 S Cloverdale St, Seattle)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 24 – August 29
Application deadline: May 18
Eligibility: Students aged 14-18 interested in urban farming and wetland restoration.
Stipend: $300/week

The Rainier Beach Youth Steward Program is a paid employment opportunity that offers experience in urban farming and wetland restoration. Your weekly tasks will include planting, harvesting, and produce packing while gaining skills in field management and environmental care. You will work outdoors with professionals and make a meaningful impact on local sustainability and your community. The program also includes workshops on environmental justice and community leadership to deepen your understanding of the broader impact of your work.