14 Paid Internships for High School Students in Seattle

If you’re a high school student who wants to gain professional experience, paid internships can be a good first step. You can develop new skills, build your resume, and discover what kind of work you enjoy the most. Paid internships tend to be competitive, which means participating in one can boost your college admissions chances. You can figure out which career path would be best for you by working on professional projects. 

What paid internships are available for high school students in Seattle?

Many colleges, research institutes, and corporations across Seattle offer paid internship programs for high school students. Whether you’re drawn to research, technology, business, or environmental work, there’s an internship that allows you to explore the field. These internships allow you to work with professionals and even make a difference to the community in some cases. 

We’ve rounded up the top 14 paid internships for high school students in Seattle. Each offers practical experience, strong mentorship, and skills that will serve you well beyond high school.

1. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center – Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend provided after completing the program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, small cohort
Dates: June 24 – August 16 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students with a strong science background

If you’re interested in medical or biological research, this paid internship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is a great option. As an intern,  you’ll work side-by-side with scientists and mentors who are studying real cancer biology problems. The program starts with two weeks of lab safety training and basic research techniques, and then you’ll move on to lab work in one of Fred Hutchinson’s Seattle-based research groups. You’ll get a taste of how real experiments are designed and analyzed, gaining experience that most students don't get until college. The last week wraps up with a presentation of your findings to the Fred Hutch community and you’ll come out knowing how it feels to be part of a real scientific team.

2. Seattle Children’s Research Institute – Research Training Program (RTP)

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 8 – August 2
Application Deadline: March 10 (Tentative)
Eligibility: 10th–12th high school students with a valid Social Security Number

The Research Training Program (RTP) at Seattle Children’s Research Institute is your chance to experience what it's like to work in a biomedical lab. In this internship, you’ll get experience at one of the top research hospitals in the U.S. Under expert mentorship, you’ll learn advanced lab techniques such as microscopy, gene editing, and immunoassays while exploring the applications of biomedical research. The program also includes college readiness and career exploration workshops, so you’re not just learning science; you’re preparing for the future. There will be a team research presentation in the last week, helping you gain confidence in explaining scientific ideas clearly and professionally. RTP is designed for curious students like you who want to see how medicine and research come together to improve lives.  

3. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Redmond, WA
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: July 8 – August 2 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications open in March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors within 50 miles of Redmond who have completed pre-calculus

The  Microsoft Discovery Program is a great way for high school students to explore the tech world right at Microsoft. Based at Microsoft headquarters, you’ll join a small team of fellow students working on projects that show how computer science and technology come together in the real world. You’ll learn basic programming, problem-solving, and teamwork while being mentored by professionals from Microsoft. You’ll also take part in career development workshops and networking events, giving you an inside look at life in the tech industry. By the end of the program, you’ll have practical experience, professional connections, and a better sense of what a career in tech might look like. It’s a great fit if you’re thinking about studying computer science or engineering after high school.

4. The Port of Seattle Internship Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderate, multiple cohorts per year
Dates: 8 weeks in summer / 10 weeks in winter
Application Deadline: May for summer; November for winter
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18; must be authorized to work in the U.S.

If you’ve ever wondered how Seattle’s ports and airports actually run, then the Port of Seattle Internship Program is your chance to find out. This paid internship for high school students in Seattle lets you work in different departments, such as aviation, maritime, community engagement, and green jobs. It’s not just about office work; you’ll get to visit facilities, attend mentorship sessions, and join workshops that teach real-world business and communication skills. You’ll also understand how public agencies work to keep a city moving. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with valuable experience, new connections, and a strong resume.

5. Seattle City Light Internship Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid-June – late August
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+, U.S. citizens with at least a 2.0 GPA

The Seattle City Light Internship Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes view of how the utilities and energy sector really works. As a Seattle City Light intern, you’ll assist with projects that deal with renewable energy, community outreach, and utility operations. You’ll also attend special training sessions and shadow professionals in various departments to see how big ideas such as clean energy come to life. What’s cool is that you’ll see how sustainability actually works – not in a textbook, but on a city-wide scale.  If you’re interested in engineering, environmental science, or public policy, this program offers a unique way to explore how big cities such as Seattle are building a sustainable future.

6. Youth Maritime Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Begins in early July; runs for two years
Application Deadline: April – mid-June
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

If you’re fascinated by ships and marine engineering, the Youth Maritime Program is an amazing opportunity to explore the maritime world. This two-year internship gives high school students an introduction to technical and leadership skills that can help them enter the maritime workforce. You’ll get hands-on with boat maintenance, repair work, and sailing lessons. You’ll also meet professionals from across the industry, go on field trips, earn certifications, and take part in career-readiness sessions that make this one stand out. You’ll leave the program with hands-on experience and maybe even a clear sense of direction for your future career.

7. Seattle Good Business Network Internship Program

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($22.77/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – August 23 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: April – May
Eligibility: High school students aged 18–24

The Seattle Good Business Network Internship Program connects high school students in Seattle with local businesses and community-driven organizations. You’ll complete around 240 hours of work and may find yourself doing everything from social media management and event planning to inventory and marketing, depending on your placement. The idea is to show you how small and medium-sized businesses keep the city’s economy strong. You’ll get real work experience and a living wage, which is rare for high school-level internships. Plus, you’ll have great networking opportunities as you’ll be working alongside professionals in sustainable business and public service.

8. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship

Location: Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour plus ORCA card
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

If you’re a high school student in Seattle passionate about the environment and love hands-on learning, the Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a perfect fit. This program gives you the chance to see how Seattle keeps its water systems clean and sustainable through community projects. You’ll get to visit treatment facilities, take part in field trips, and lead outreach activities that promote clean water and conservation. Along the way, you’ll be guided by mentors from King County and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, who will help you explore different careers in the environmental field. It’s a fun mix of science, teamwork, and community service, all while getting paid!

9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Any local nonprofit in Seattle. Final Summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2–5 students per region
Dates: 8 weeks plus 7-day leadership summit (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with strong academic records

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an opportunity to build leadership skills while giving back to the community. As a paid intern, you’ll work with a nonprofit organization in your local community while learning how business and community service come together to drive change. You’ll work around 35 hours per week on projects that actually make a difference, while developing important skills in leadership, civic engagement, and financial literacy. The highlight of the program is the fully funded summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll connect with other student leaders from across the country and explore solutions to community challenges.

10. SPARK SIP Summer Mentorship Program

Location: Greater Seattle Area
Cost/Stipend: Varies (some projects pay or cover transportation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: Depends on project
Application Deadline: April – May (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students; U.S. residents

SPARK SIP Summer Mentorship Program is a paid internship program that gives high school students in Seattle the chance to dive into exciting STEM and tech-based projects. You’ll have the freedom to choose from a range of focus areas, from AI and robotics to data science. You’ll work closely with industry mentors and professors, in small teams of 5–6 students, on projects such as Python-based automation, neural network modeling, and data visualization. You’ll receive personalized mentoring that builds both technical and soft skills, which helps when it comes to college applications. If you’re passionate about tech or STEM, this is one of the most flexible and rewarding programs around Seattle.

11. UW Botanic Gardens Youth Summer Internship

Location: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle, WA
Stipend: $1,750 upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 23
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18 interested in environmental science

If you love nature, plants, and environmental science, the UW Botanic Gardens Youth Summer Internship is the perfect way to spend your summer. This paid internship gives high school students in Seattle the chance to explore careers in environmental education while working in the Washington Park Arboretum. You’ll do everything from habitat restoration and native plant propagation to outdoor education and garden projects. You’ll also get leadership training by helping run youth programs and teaching camp participants. The best part? You get to connect with professionals from local environmental organizations, learning what it really means to build a green career that makes a difference.

12. TIPS Summer Internships

Location: Greater Puget Sound Region
Cost/Stipend: $21.30/hour (up to $3,300)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 20, July 20, 21, or 22, August 15
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Ages 15–19 enrolled in high school

TIPS Summer Internships program gives high school students in Seattle a chance to explore real-world careers – and get paid a competitive hourly wage while doing so. You’ll get to explore multiple fields, such as business, marketing, technology, and community services. You’ll work about 25–35 hours per week, combining hands-on experience with professional development workshops that build essential skills for the future. One of the best parts of TIPS is the mentorship experience, where you’ll connect with nonprofit leaders, visit partner sites, and even manage small projects. By the end of the program, you’ll have strong leadership, teamwork, and career planning skills, and a clear sense of direction for your next steps after school.

13. Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) High School Summer Internship

Location: Seattle, WA (ISB facilities)
Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend over 8 weeks
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 4–10 students per year
Dates: June 30 – August 22 (Tentative)
Application Deadline: Posted in January, usually due in March
Eligibility: High school students studying in 11th grade (rising seniors)

If you’re a rising senior who’s equally interested in science and business, the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) internship offers a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll spend eight weeks learning how biological research connects with finance and management. You’ll help with real projects in systems biology, while also seeing how budgets, grants, and funding keep scientific research moving forward. You’ll also collaborate with ISB’s administrative, financial, and business development teams, so you’ll understand how large-scale research organizations actually operate. 

14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Nationwide (including Seattle participants)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students
Dates: June – August (Tentative)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

If you love biology and the outdoors, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an amazing opportunity to explore life as a fisheries biologist. You’ll spend eight weeks working with a professional fisheries biologist mentor, gaining experience in everything from field surveys and data analysis to lab work and habitat restoration. You’ll also get an opportunity to attend a national summit and present your findings. This program is especially known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging participation from students belonging to underrepresented groups. You’ll leave the program with real lab and field experience that will boost your college applications.

Bonus!

Ladder Internships

Location: Remote - you can participate from anywhere
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Dates: Multiple sessions offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school, gap year, and undergraduate students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits from around the world! As an intern, you’ll collaborate with founders and team members on real assignments across a variety of industries such as technology, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You’ll present your work directly to the company leadership team at the end of your internship. In addition to working closely with the manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!

Image Source - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Logo