SCRI Summer Scholars Program (SSSP)

The 2023 Summer Scholars Program will be an in-person experience. The program may be adjusted to accommodate social distancing and infection control protocols, to be determined later in the spring.

All participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or be granted an exception according to hospital policy.

Students must have a strong background and interest in one of the following fields: biology, biochemistry, microbiology, neuroscience, mathematics, behavioral health, public health, or a related scientific field.

Ideal candidates are interested in pursuing medical or graduate studies in a biomedical or public health field. Students must be able to reside in Seattle, or within commuting distance for the duration of the program.

Minimum requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program.
• Currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an undergraduate, community, or technical college program. Recent undergraduates who have obtained their baccalaureate within the last 6 months may also be eligible to apply. Applicants currently in graduate school or medical school are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be in good academic standing.
• Must have a working knowledge of computers, standard office software packages (Word, WordPerfect, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.) and ability to learn new software programs.
• Must have willingness and ability to learn new methods, approaches, and experimental techniques.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills including attention to detail.
• Must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Seattle Children's values of compassion, excellence, equity, innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
• Must follow all procedures for maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy of any data or information related to research projects and to Seattle Children’s business operations.

Preferred qualifications

None

Application requirements

Resume

Please prepare to submit as part of your application process a resume that includes:

• Name
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)
• College and anticipated year of graduation
• (Anticipated) major; minor (if applicable)
• Current GPA
• Any awards and honors received
• Any volunteer or work experience (e.g., church activities, community service, clubs/organizations, etc.)
• Any leadership roles
• Relevant skills and strengths

Cover letter/personal statement

Things to include in your cover letter:

• Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in this internship program?
• Describe how you see your role in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and medicine.
• What are your career goals and how do you think this internship will help you achieve these goals?
• What research background do you have, if any? (Note: a lack of research experience may not exclude you from the internship opportunity.)

Personal/professional reference

• The names and email address of 1 reference.
• We will contact your reference directly if your application proceeds to the interview stage of our application process. References will likely be contacted at the end of March or in early April.

Choose your preferred project(s)

• Provide the name of your top three projects for the internship and why you chose those projects.
• Select 3 projects from the project list.

Application timeline

• Applications for the summer 2023 program are now closed.
• February 1: Applications open
• February 28: Applications close
• March 1 to April 15: Applications reviewed and selections made
  • Applicants will be notified of selection for first round interviews or rejection by April 21
• May to June 20: Onboarding for selected interns
• June 21 to August 16: Internship
• Fall: SSSP report published and distributed.

If you'd like to help us spread the word, please do so by posting or sharing our internship flyer (PDF).

Please note: We will notify you of the status of your application by the end of April. Please do not email to inquire the status of your application.

Also, please refrain from contacting our principal investigators directly and allow our selection and application evaluation process to progress as designed. 

Applications for the summer 2023 program are closed.

Applicants will hear about the status of their applications by April 21, 2023. 

Download our annual report from the SCRI Summer Scholars Program (formerly known as the Underrepresented Minority Students in Research Internship Program).

• 2021 Program Report (PDF)
• 2022 Program Report (PDF)