High School Students
For pre-college students who are interested in research or other campus opportunities, this list of UW-affiliated summer programs may be a useful resource. Additional high school research internships may be found on the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center website.
Center for Neurotechnology Young Scholars Program – REACH
Program Description:
A five day summer YSP-REACH program for high school students that is sponsored by the UW Center for Neurotechnology. Participants are exposed to the field of neural engineering and received preparation for college studies in the STEM field.
Eligibility:
- High school student status (graduating high school seniors can also apply)
- Attend all required lectures, seminars, focus groups, tours, class sessions and workshops
- Commit to full program participation (participants will not receive academic credit)
Contact:
Dr. Eric Chudler, the CNT’s Education Director
Program Description:
A five day summer program for rising high school seniors interested in preparing for a future in engineering. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school sophomore (10th grade) or junior (11th grade) during the current academic year
- Attend high school in the greater Seattle area
- Currently participating or previously participated in UW-Sponsored/Affiliated College Preparatory Program(s) or UW College Access program(s)
- Prior engineering experience or knowledge is not required
Contact:
Math Engineering Science Achievement
Program Description:
The aim of this program is to prepare underrepresented middle school and high school students for higher education and careers in STEM fields. MESA provides middle and high school students — as well as their teachers and parents — with innovative, hands-on opportunities in mathematics, basic and applied science, and engineering in both formal and informal settings.
Eligibility:
- MESA organizes internships, scholarships, and other opportunities for students. Eligibility varies depending on which opportunity students apply for.
Contact:
Northwest Association for Biomedical Research
Program Description:
NWABR aims to promote the public’s trust in biomedical research.
Contact:
Research Training Program for High School Students
Program Description:
A summer research program offered for high school students by Seattle Children’s Science Education Department. Students have the opportunity to learn more about and practice biomedical research.
Eligibility:
Research Training Program (RTP)
- Rising junior, rising senior, or graduating senior high school students who have not yet applied to college
- Students who have housing or live within 2-hrs commute of downtown Seattle
- Students who identity as underrepresented in the field of biomedical research
Virtual Research Training Program (RTP)
- Rising junior, rising senior, or graduating senior high school students who have not yet applied to college
- Local, national and international students
Contact:
Summer Institute for Mathematics at the University of Washington
Program canceled for 2022 due to COVID-19. Check website for future updates on the program continuation.
Contact:
(305) 707-4686 or (206) 543-6830
System Education Experiences Program
Program Description:
A summer paid internship for high school students who are interested in systems biology. Students get the opportunity to use different types of technology and techniques while working on their summer research projects.
Contact:
UW Genome Sciences Education Outreach
Program Description:
This outreach program organizes many different opportunities for students. Check out the UWGSEO website to learn more!
Eligibility:
The eligibility varies depending on which opportunity students apply for.
Contact:
UW Summer Sessions for U.S. High School Students
Program Description:
Open for anyone interested in taking college courses at the University of Washington. Students have the opportunity to earn UW credits and visit the campus.
Contact:
Program Description:
Enrichment courses are offered for grades 4-12.
Contact:
206-685-6525
Under University and Washington State law a minor student is not permitted to work with hazardous substances.
Minors ages 14-17 in the laboratory for purposes of education, as volunteer workers, or as employees may not be exposed to agents that pose higher health risks. These risks include such materials as human body fluids, radioactive and hazardous substances, or jobs requiring personal protective equipment other than gloves, boots, eye protection or hard hats.
- Human Resources’ Employment of Minors website outlines the requirements for hiring minors.
- The Environmental Health & Safety Department outlines safety considerations for youth in research settings.
- UW’s administrative policy (10.9) describes policies for visitors and children in UW labs and shops.