Summer Internships: A Guide for High School Students
Summer internships offer high school students a unique opportunity to explore potential career paths, gain valuable work experience, and bolster their college applications. These programs provide a glimpse into the professional world, strengthen college applications, and help students determine if their chosen field aligns with their interests. Internships build a foundational understanding, teach the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, facilitate interaction and networking with industry experts, and develop a range of subject-specific and general skills.
Types of Internships Available
Internships span various disciplines, from STEM and medicine to business and education. Many organizations and universities in Seattle offer opportunities across industries like tech, healthcare, engineering, and the arts. These experiences help students apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing their resumes with practical skills.
STEM Internships
For students with an aptitude for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, several internships provide hands-on research and project-based experiences.
- Fred Hutch Cancer Center’s Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP): This 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: the first two weeks involve laboratory safety and basic skills training, after which students work on research projects. Interns are paired with mentors and work with biomedical research groups in a lab. They also attend research seminars, participate in professional development workshops that prepare them for college and beyond, and enjoy social and networking activities. The SHIP application has two online components - an applicant section that you complete and a separate online form that your references complete. Thoroughly review the application and complete your section well in advance of the deadline. Proofread your application and essays carefully. You will not be able to go back into the system after you submit your application. Submit your section early so your references have time to complete their form.
- SPARK Summer Internship Program: This program aims to connect motivated and high-performing students with university faculty, industry experts, and mentors to collaborate, ideate, and develop STEM projects. This internship is perfect for students keen to work on real-world projects while developing essential skills in domains such as software engineering, biotechnology, and AI-driven data visualization through active hands-on learning and experimentation. The program is also the perfect pathway for interns to immerse themselves in diverse professional research environments, learning about novel technologies, research ethics, and data analysis techniques which can pave the way for a future career in scientific and technological research.
- Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy: This prestigious, research-focused apprenticeship places high school students in Department of Navy laboratories across the country. 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.
- NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships: NASA offers internships across its facilities in various 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.
- ISB’s High School Summer Internship: This 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. Furthermore, if qualified for this internship, you can also participate in ISB’s prestigious STEM Leadership Program.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute Summer Program: Starting in 2025, Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute offers a two-year, in-person Research Training Program (RTP) for high school students, beginning with 10th graders. In Summer 2025, you will work in a research lab, exploring topics like biochemistry, immunotherapy, gene editing, and infectious diseases, while also attending workshops on college readiness and career exploration.
- Microsoft Discovery Program: The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week internship offering high school students the opportunity to work on real-world projects in computer science, engineering, and technology. During the program, you will develop programming skills and work on tasks within the tech industry.
Business and Finance Internships
For students interested in the world of business, finance, and economics, several internships provide opportunities to gain practical experience and develop essential skills.
- Bank of America Student Leaders Program: 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.
- CLA High School Internship Program: This program offers interns the opportunity to deepen their understanding of accounting with practical experience, covering areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. As an intern, you will actively engage in real-world projects, working alongside experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to actual scenarios, honing your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The program also focuses on networking and professional development. You will connect with professionals, mentors, and peers, building a network that may be useful in the future, while getting first-hand experience of the industry.
- Seattle Good Business Network Internship Program: 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 may engage in tasks such as administrative support, social media management, eCommerce, inventory management, and customer service.
Government and Public Sector Internships
Students interested in government, public service, and community development can explore internships with local and regional organizations.
Read also: Mayo Clinic High School Programs
- The Port of Seattle Internship Program: The Port of Seattle’s Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore careers in various port operations, including aviation, maritime, governance, community engagement, and green jobs. 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.
- High School Internships at Seattle City Light: 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.
- Clean Water Ambassadors Internship - Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust: 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. During the internship, you will have the chance to participate in field trips and implement projects. The internship offers exposure to careers in communications, community engagement, education, engineering, and environmental science, with opportunities in both office and field settings.
Arts and Media Internships
For students passionate about the arts, media, and communication, internships at cultural organizations and media outlets can provide invaluable experience.
- KEXP’s Internship Program: KEXP’s Internship Program offers hands-on experience to interns from historically underrepresented communities, focusing on emerging leaders in music programming, audio production, and nonprofit operations. As an intern, you will gain practical skills in communication, project management, problem-solving, audio editing, and database management. You will also have opportunities to network with industry professionals in Seattle. Internships are available in Audio Production, Design & Marketing, Latin American Content, and Library & Archives.
Other Unique Opportunities
- Ladder Internships: Ladder Internships is a selective program for high school students, offering virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits across the world. As a part of the internship, you will work closely with your startup manager on a real-world project that aligns with the organization’s goal, and have the opportunity to present your work towards the end of the internship. You will also be paired with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor throughout the program. You will also receive 1-on-1 training in professional skills such as communication, project management, and problem-solving. This program can be a good choice for students who are still exploring their future academic and career options and are eager to gain hands-on experiences across industries to find what interests them.
- Youth Maritime Program: The Youth Maritime Program, managed by Evergreen Goodwill in partnership with the Youth Maritime Collaborative, offers a two-year internship for high school students interested in maritime careers. You will participate in field trips and learn skills like boat maintenance, repair, and small-boat sailing. The program also offers networking opportunities with maritime professionals and provides insights into various career paths.
- University of Washington Junior Naturalists Volunteering Program: The Junior Naturalist program at UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp offers high school students the chance to volunteer and gain experience working with children. As a Junior Naturalist, you will assist a Summer Camp Naturalist in managing a small group of campers, helping lead activities and games.
How to Find and Apply for Internships
- Identify Your Interests: Determine the fields or industries that align with your passions and career aspirations.
- Research Potential Programs: Explore the websites of local organizations, universities, and companies to identify internship opportunities.
- Prepare Your Application Materials: Gather necessary documents such as resumes, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Craft a Compelling Application: Write a cover letter and personal essay that highlight your skills, experiences, and motivation.
- Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all materials in a timely manner.
Tips for a Successful Internship Experience
- Be Proactive: Take initiative and seek out opportunities to learn and contribute.
- Network: Build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals.
- Seek Feedback: Request regular feedback from your supervisor to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay Organized: Manage your time effectively and keep track of tasks and deadlines.
- Reflect on Your Experience: Take time to reflect on what you have learned and how the internship has influenced your career goals.
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