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.
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 December 1 · ~4 months
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Nemours Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Nemours Children's Health
A 10-week full-time paid summer research program for undergraduates at four Nemours pediatric sites in Delaware and Florida. Students work on clinical, laboratory, or translational research projects.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grade 12
Due in February · ~7 months
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Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
A biomedical research internship inspiring underrepresented students toward careers in neurological and behavioral sciences, with an in-person Baltimore track and a national virtual track.
Who can apply: Anywhere in the U.S. · grades 11–12
Due in February · ~7 months
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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