Research Training Program for High School Students

Applications Closed

Applications for the Summer 2023 Research Training Program and Virtual Research Training Program closed on Sunday, April 2, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. Please visit this page in early 2024 for next summer's program.

About the 2023 Summer Programs

Seattle Children’s Research Institute is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, and inspiring the next generation of scientists, physicians and healthcare workers. During the summer, our Science Education Department offers high school students the opportunity to learn more about biomedical research.

For summer 2023, we are offering two programs led by PhD-level scientists and educators. Students will learn how to work in a research laboratory environment and learn about topics including biochemistry, immunotherapy, gene editing and infectious diseases. Students will also participate in workshops on college readiness and career exploration. These programs provide students with a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical research. There is no cost to participate.

1. The Research Training Program (RTP) is an in-person program with a competitive application process and is intended for local students who live within a two-hour commute of downtown Seattle. Stipends are available to offset costs for transportation and meals. We do not provide or arrange housing for students.

   The Research Training Program is for students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the biomedical and health sciences. The following racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research and health sciences: Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. Individual with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may also meet the NIH definition of underrepresented populations. Please review this website for a full list of underrepresented groups.

2. The Virtual Research Training Program (VRTP) is an online program with a competitive application process, and is open to local, national and international students.

COVID-19 Information

• The Research Training Program will be an in-person experience. The program may be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing and infection control protocols as needed. The wearing of isolation or higher-level masks is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this an internship?
  • The RTP and VRTP are not internships. The RTP and VRTP are educational programs.
• Is this a medical program? Will I get to work with patients and learn about medical school?
  • The RTP and VRTP are not medical programs. The RTP and VRTP are best suited for students interested in laboratory research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
  • Participants will not be working at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and we will not be working with patients. Also, we will not be covering medical school in great detail. If you are interested in volunteer or clinical positions at Seattle Children's Hospital, please visit High School and Youth Service Projects or Summer Nurse Camp.
• I’m in Running Start or I’m enrolled college courses while still in high school. Am I eligible to apply?
  • Preparation for the college application process is a major component of the RTP and VRTP. Students in Running Start or who are enrolled in college courses while still in high school are eligible to apply for the RTP and VRTP, as long as they have not yet applied to college.
• Do I need a Social Security number to participate?
  • Participants of the RTP will receive a stipend, which is considered reportable income by the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, students must have a SSN to participate in the RTP.
  • Students do not need a SSN to participate in the VRTP.
• Are masks required for the RTP?
  • Participants are highly encouraged to properly wear isolation or higher-level masks that cover the nose and mouth.
• Can I apply to both programs?
  • Students may not apply for both the RTP and VRTP. Concurrent applications for the RTP and VRTP will not be considered.
• What are the acceptance rates?
  • In 2022, 24 students participated in the RTP, and 215 students completed the VRTP. Some students who originally applied to the RTP accepted transfers to the VRTP.

How to Participate

Interest form

• You should submit the Interest Form as soon as possible to select which program you will be applying to. For RTP applicants, this will give your Letter Writer more time to prepare a Letter of Recommendation for you.
• Students will choose to apply for either the RTP or VRTP. Upon completing the Interest Form, students will receive an automated email with the link to the Application Form.
• Students may not apply for both the RTP and VRTP. Concurrent applications for the RTP and VRTP will not be considered.
• Students who are not accepted for the RTP may have the opportunity to participate in the VRTP if capacity allows. Further information will be made available in May 2023.

RTP application essay and letter of recommendation

Please respond to the following questions. Responses should be written as one cohesive essay and should not exceed two pages. Our expectation is that your application materials will be your own original composition.

1. Seattle Children's is committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment with people from different backgrounds and varying experiences and perspectives. Describe the community you come from, which can include your family, culture, etc., and how you might contribute to diversity at Seattle Children's.
2. Describe any previous work or volunteer experience and skills you gained that are applicable to this program.
3. What are your college goals and what do you intend to study? If you have not decided, please include the subject area (biology, chemistry, etc.) that you would like to focus on.
4. What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
5. Only if you previously participated in the VRTP: How will participating in this program build upon your previous experience to support your academic goals?

RTP essay format requirements:

• Two pages maximum
• First and last name at the top of the first page
• Double-spaced
• 1-inch margins
• 12-point font

Please select someone to write a letter of recommendation for you. This individual should be someone who can speak well of your academic or professional accomplishments, such as a teacher, advisor or employer. We highly recommend that you ask them at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Once you submit the Interest Form, they will receive an email with instructions on how to submit their letter. The letter of recommendation and RTP Application Form do not need to be submitted at the same time. A letter of recommendation is required for your application to be considered complete.

The letter of recommendation and RTP Application Form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

VRTP application essay

Please respond to the following questions. Responses should be written as one cohesive essay and should not exceed one page. Our expectation is that your application materials will be your own original composition.

1. How will participating in the Virtual Research Training Program support your academic and professional goals?
2. What are your college goals and what do you intend to study? If you have not decided, please include the subject area (biology, chemistry, etc.) that you would like to focus on.
3. Only if you previously participated in the VRTP: How will participating in this program build upon your previous experience?

VRTP essay format requirements:

• One page maximum
• First and last name at the top of the page
• Double-spaced
• 1-inch margins
• 12-point font

Sunday, April 2, 2023: Applications close

All applications materials must be received by Sunday, April 2, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.

May 2023: Students notified

Students will be notified of their application status in early May.

If there are any questions or concerns, please email the Science Education Department.

Thank you for your interest in the summer high school programs at Seattle Children’s Research Institute!

This page was last updated on April 3, 2023.