High School Internships in Seattle: Launching Your Future

For high school students in Seattle with a budding interest in a particular field, internships offer a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience and insight. Exploring potential career paths early on can solidify your academic and professional goals, providing a strong foundation as you enter college and beyond. Internships not only enhance college applications but also help determine if your chosen field aligns with your interests and skills. These experiences bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering a chance to network with industry experts and develop crucial subject-specific and general skills.

Benefits of High School Internships

An internship during high school offers a glimpse into the professional world, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. This exposure can help you build a solid foundation in your chosen field, teaching you to navigate the challenges and innovations within that industry. Furthermore, it provides a valuable opportunity to interact and network with industry experts, fostering a deeper understanding of the field's intricacies.

Internships also offer a chance to develop essential skills applicable to various professional environments. These skills include process improvement, project management, communication, and networking, all of which are crucial for success in any corporate setting.

Featured Internship Opportunities in Seattle

This article highlights several internships available to high school students in the Seattle area, spanning diverse fields from STEM to business and beyond.

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students (along with undergraduates and gap-year students) who can commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: 8-week program with cohorts in summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Cost: Varies, with financial aid available.

Ladder Internships provides virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits worldwide. Catering to varied interests, the program allows students to intern in fields like technology, machine learning, AI, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, and journalism. Interns collaborate with startup managers on real-world projects aligned with the organization's goals and present their work at the internship's conclusion. Participants also receive guidance from a Ladder coach and 1-on-1 training in communication, project management, and problem-solving. This program suits students exploring academic and career options and seeking hands-on experience across industries.

2. SPARK Summer Internship Program

Eligibility: U.S. citizens and permanent residents in grades 9-12, with preference given to students from the Greater Seattle area.
Application Deadline: April 22
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks between June and August
Cost/Stipend: An application fee of $25 applies. Some projects offer a $500 stipend.

The SPARK Summer Internship Program connects motivated students with university faculty, industry experts, and mentors to collaborate on STEM projects. It's ideal for students eager to work on real-world projects and develop skills in software engineering, biotechnology, and AI-driven data visualization through hands-on learning. Interns immerse themselves in research environments, learning about technologies, research ethics, and data analysis techniques, paving the way for future scientific and technological careers.

3. Amazon Future Engineer Program

Eligibility: Students who:
- Are currently enrolled in or have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
- Demonstrate financial need.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close mid-December.
Program Dates: Approximately 8 weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college.
Stipend: Students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year.

The Amazon Future Engineer Program offers valuable experiences for high school students passionate about technology. It provides hands-on opportunities and exposure to the challenges and innovations within Amazon's tech environment. Students work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry experts, and gain insight into the field of tech. This program teaches students how to apply classroom knowledge in practical situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry's intricacies. It combines technical instruction, mentorship, and a supportive community to build a solid foundation in computer science.

4. Port of Seattle Internships

Eligibility: Not specified.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May.
Program Dates: June-August for summer internships (length may vary).
Stipend: Approximately $18 per hour.

The Port of Seattle internships offer high school students a chance to work with a respected public organization. As an intern, you will work on real-world projects that impact the local economy and communities. Work locations and placements can include the SEA airport or organizations along the Seattle waterfront. Interns can choose from a range of career focus areas including green jobs, community engagement, governance, maritime operations, and aviation operations. By the end of the internship, you will develop the skills needed for a corporate environment as well as business skills such as process improvement, project management, communications, and networking. Mentorship meetings, facility tours, and workshops will also be part of the program.

5. Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program

Eligibility: Residents from backgrounds underrepresented in the biomedical sciences.
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 24 - August 16 (8 weeks)
Stipend: Financial award available (details revealed in the interview) + free ORCA card to commute

Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program is a full-time internship designed for students from backgrounds underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. The eight-week program is split into two parts: First, 2 weeks of laboratory safety and basic skills training is conducted, after which students work on research projects. For the research component, students are paired with mentors and work with biomedical research groups in a lab. You will also attend research seminars, participate in professional development workshops that prepare you for college and beyond, and enjoy social and networking activities.

6. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Multiple locations in the country (including King County, Pierce County, and Snohomish, WA.
Eligibility: Not specified.
Application Deadline: Keep checking the program page in the fall for updates.
Dates: 8 weeks in June-July. The summit will be held on July 22-27.
Stipend: Hourly rate + fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit

The Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program has been running since 2004. A prestigious program, it connects 300 students annually to internship and employment opportunities across the country. The program offers students the opportunity to engage with their communities in meaningful ways. For the program, students will be paired with local non-profits where they will learn about their functioning and administration as well as how they collaborate with governments and businesses. Some examples of non-profits that students will work with are Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Interns will work with their respective non-profits for the first 7 weeks of the program and will attend an all-expenses paid trip to the National Student Leaders Summit in the final week, where they interact with professionals in a variety of fields ranging from business to governmental affairs. This program is considered highly selective and is a great way to apply what you learn in a hands-on environment while developing connections on a national level.

Read also: Job Skills for Students

7. CLA High School Internship Program

Location: Various locations across the US (including Seattle).
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.
Stipend: It is a paid opportunity, but information on the exact amount is not available.

The CLA High School Internship Program is designed for students interested in finance and accounting. Interns deepen their understanding of accounting with practical experience in tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. They engage in real-world projects alongside experienced professionals, applying theoretical knowledge to actual scenarios and honing their problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. The program also includes networking and professional development opportunities, allowing interns to connect with professionals, mentors, and peers.

8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy

Location: Varies based on lab locations.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1 every year.
Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) | $4,500 (returning participants)

This research-focused apprenticeship places high school students in Department of Navy laboratories across the country. With approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories nationwide, SEAP is highly competitive. During this program, you will work with leading researchers and engineers at Navy facilities on real Naval research, while being mentored by expert Navy scientists and engineers. While working on projects hands-on, you will build valuable knowledge and develop skills across various STEM disciplines. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest.

9. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships

Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in the cities they are in.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. Students applying must be at least 16 years old and be US citizens.
Application Deadline: February (for summer internships). Spring and fall internships are also available.
Dates: May-August (10 weeks)
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.

NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships at its locations across the country in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, and even outreach and communications. These internships are prestigious opportunities for students to contribute to projects in areas such as 3D modeling, robotics, civil engineering, and aerospace engineering, that are ongoing at the agency under the guidance of a NASA mentor. The program provides training, mentoring, and career development opportunities along with the chance to work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology, and business minds in the world. During this internship, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies - engaging in real-world experiences, gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work.

10. ISB’s High School Summer Internship

Location: Seattle, Washington
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in 11th grade and currently reside in the United States.
Application deadline: March 15
Dates: July 1 - August 23
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend of $5,000

This 8-week-long, paid STEM internship offers you the chance to work in a lab with professionals, explore a range of topics in biology, and apply what you learn to a research project. This summer’s possible internship topics include computational biology, microbial interactions, the microbiome, cancer, and more. As every topic is pre-aligned with an ongoing research project at ISB, you will also collaborate with mentors and witness the entire process in action. While biology is the core of this opportunity, you will also develop essential skills covering other STEM topics like math, coding, and engineering. Moreover, if qualified for this internship, you can also participate in ISB’s prestigious STEM Leadership Program.

11. High School Internships at Seattle City Light

Location: Seattle City Light, Seattle, Washington
Eligibility: Applicants must either be US citizens or possess a valid US work permit, be currently enrolled in high school, and be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer (mid-June to mid-August)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in June
Stipend: Varies for each project

The Seattle City Light High School Internship program offers an opportunity for students interested in science, engineering, and business to gain on-site experiences in commercial energy production and distribution domains. Students interested in social sciences and humanities can also benefit from this internship, as it offers exposure to interdisciplinary aspects of energy production and its social impact. During the internship, you will contribute to administrative tasks, attend special skill-building training sessions and professional development workshops, shadow mentors, and assist them in key projects. Interns also engage with executive leaders to explore strategic planning, the ethics of decision-making, and present a report on their learnings to mentors and colleagues at the end of the internship.

12. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship - Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust

Location: Stadium Light Rail Station or King Street Center, Seattle, Washington
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are at least 16 years old.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates: June 8 - August 9
Stipend: $20 per hour

The Clean Water Ambassador Internship offers high school students the opportunity to engage with local environmental issues, solutions, and clean water initiatives and careers in King County, Washington. Interns are expected to work for 25-28 hours a week, and meet in downtown Seattle from Mondays to Fridays during the period of the internship. During the internship, you will have the chance to participate in…

13. Seattle Children’s Research Institute - Research Training Program

Stipend: Provided, but the amount is unspecified.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: March 10
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2
Eligibility: Open to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders who have a Social Security Number (SSN)

The Research Training Program (RTP) is designed for students who live within commuting distance of downtown Seattle. This competitive program introduces you to a variety of lab techniques, including microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, immunoassays, gene editing, and more. The program includes a series of lectures covering topics such as biochemistry, immunotherapy, global health issues, and infectious diseases. Workshops focus on college readiness and career exploration. You will work in teams on a research project, culminating in a presentation of your findings.

14. Microsoft Discovery Program

Stipend: $20/hour
Location: Redmond, WA
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: July 8 - August 2
Eligibility: Open to graduating high school seniors who have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course.

The Microsoft Discovery Program offers an opportunity for high school students to work on real-world projects at Microsoft. This 4-week internship helps you explore your interests in computer science, engineering, and technology while developing career readiness skills. You will learn fundamental programming skills and work on projects in the tech industry. The Discovery Program allows you to engage with Microsoft professionals and industry experts. You will benefit from career development workshops and mentorship, gaining insights into various career paths within the industry.

15. Youth Maritime Program

Stipend: Stipend provided.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: April - mid-June
Program Dates: This two-year program begins in early July.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors

The Youth Maritime Program offers a 2-year internship for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the maritime industry. The program provides a structured transition through senior year toward college readiness and maritime career opportunities. You will attend field trips and learn skills related to boat maintenance, repair, and small-boat sailing. Through experiential learning events, you’ll network with maritime experts, community leaders, and potential employers, gaining valuable insights and professional connections. The program includes opportunities to earn short-term certifications and supports up to 4 quarters of college or direct employment placement.

16. Seattle Good Business Network Internship Program

Stipend: Interns are paid an hourly rate based on local living wage standards (For last year, it was $22.77/hr)
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in April and close in May
Program Dates: June 17 - August 23
Eligibility: Open to students aged 18-24.

The Seattle Good Business Network’s internship program offers high school students a paid opportunity to gain work experience with local businesses, manufacturers, and public agencies. Interns must complete at least 240 hours of work, including flexible weekly schedules determined by each business host and intern. The program covers a wide range of roles, including administrative support, social media management, eCommerce, inventory management, customer service, and more. Sponsored by the Seattle Office of Economic Development and the Workforce Development Council of Seattle, this program provides valuable networking opportunities.

17. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship

Stipend: $20/hour and an ORCA card.
Location: Seattle, WA
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 8 - August 9
Eligibility: Open to high school students 16+

The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship, a partnership between the King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, offers high school students a 5-week paid internship focused on local environmental issues, solutions, and careers related to clean water. The program is designed for students new to environmental topics and those from underrepresented communities in environmental careers. You will enhance your communication abilities, design and execute projects, and engage in field trips and workshops.

18. SPARKSIP Summer Mentorship Program

Stipend: Varies; some projects offer stipends, and others cover transportation costs.
Location: Greater Seattle area
Application Deadline: Applications open in April and close in May.

It aims to provide exposure to professional environments and learning experiences. You can select up to five projects to apply for, with mentors typically assigned to 5-6 students per project. The program offers covers topics, including machine learning, AI, data visualization, and more. Past projects have included Python scripting for crossbar architecture, exploring Spiking Neural Networks, and data interfacing and visualization. You will benefit from professional development resources that will be valuable for your college applications.

Additional Programs

Lumiere Research Scholar Program: A selective online high school program offering 1-1 mentorship from top Ph.D. scholars in forensic science.
Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation: A non-profit research program for talented, low-income students, providing need-based financial aid.
ISB’s Systems Thinkers in STEM Ambassadorship (STiSA): A program open to current 10th and 11th graders. Participants attend a virtual workshop and can enroll in virtual micro-courses related to systems medicine or environmental systems.
ISB’s DREAM-High: A partnership program with Columbia University, ISB, and Stanford University for current 11th graders. Students learn to visualize and analyze genomics, clinical, and physical data from cancer cells through hands-on programming in R and Python.
ISB’s Academic Year Internship: An internship for current 11th graders, running similarly to the 8-week summer program but flexibly scheduled.

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