ResearchDue in March · ~5 months

Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

An eight-week paid summer internship in Seattle. Interns spend two weeks learning lab techniques and safety, then six weeks working in a Fred Hutch faculty member's research lab.

Who should apply

Seattle-area juniors who are curious about lab science but have never had a way in. The program is designed around students without prior research experience, so a thin resume is not a problem.

Eligibility

Between 11th and 12th grade at the time of application
At least 16 years old by the program start date
Resident of greater Seattle or surrounding areas; out-of-state students are not accepted
International students cannot be accepted
Strong scientific interest and academic background
Available for all eight weeks, up to 40 hours per week
Able to attend a Zoom interview

What you get

Eight weeks full time, roughly June 22 to August 14
Two weeks of hands-on lab technique and safety training
Six weeks of supervised work in a Fred Hutch faculty research lab
Weekly workshops and seminars
A final presentation during the last week
A financial award on successful completion
A free ORCA transit card

What the application involves

Online application with four short-response essays, 200 words each
Resume as a PDF
Recent school transcript as a PDF; unofficial is fine
Two references who complete a separate online reference form
Zoom interview with the selection committee if you advance

Application tips

Give your two references at least three weeks of notice and send them the deadline in writing. Their form is separate from yours and a late reference can sink an otherwise strong application.
The 200-word limit is tight. Write one specific story per prompt instead of a general statement about loving science.
Say plainly that you have not had research experience. That is the population this program was built for, not a weakness to hide.
Practice the Zoom interview out loud. Be ready to explain why cancer research interests you and how you handle being confused by something new.
Confirm you can commit to all eight weeks, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., before you apply. Summer jobs and family travel are the most common reasons students have to withdraw.

Good to know

Selection is competitive and includes a Zoom interview. All applicants hear back by mid-May. Questions go to HSinternship@fredhutch.org.

ResearchPaidCancer ResearchSummerNo Experience Needed

Not eligible for this one? These are open anywhere in the U.S.

Being in the wrong state rules out a lot of programs and almost none of the good ones. Here are three you can apply to from anywhere, soonest deadline first.

Due in 19 days
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Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12
Baltimore, MD (in-person) / Virtual (national)Research
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Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University
A summer program where academically talented high school students join active science, math, or engineering research teams under faculty mentors and present at a closing poster symposium, receiving a stipend award.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 11
Stony Brook, NYResearch
Paid