Application Guidelines

We are excited for your interest in the SPARQ Program for Summer 2027. An active program application link will be found here during the application period of Monday, November 23, 2026 (9 a.m. Pacific time), through Friday, January 8, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Pacific time). Be sure to review this page in advance to inform your decision to apply and start preparing documents to upload.     

A diverse group of students stand side by side outdoors on a terrace, with trees, buildings, and an overcast sky in the background.Who Should Apply

  • Students must be rising second-, third- or fourth-year students enrolled in a community college or university in the greater Seattle area. Post-baccs are not eligible for the program.
  • Students must be able to reside in Seattle or within commuting distance for the duration of the program.
    • To encourage a longitudinal relationship between the student and their matched lab, we will no longer be accepting or reviewing applications from students who attend school outside of the greater Seattle area, even if you reside in the area for the summer.
  • Students should have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a graduate or professional degree and/or a future career in pain or neurologic health research.
  • Prior formal research experience is not required, but it is preferred in some labs.
  • Students must commit to participating in and attending the entire duration of the nine-week internship program. This full-time program includes a robust, planned curriculum, so it does not allow for time away or vacations. We cannot accommodate any late starts or early departures.

Step 1: Review eligibility criteria and expectations

Minimum qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Must be a rising second-, third- or fourth-year student currently enrolled in an undergraduate, community or technical college in the greater Seattle area, and in good standing with your institution. Applicants currently in graduate school or medical school are not eligible to apply. Post-baccs are also not eligible.
  • Must have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, including attention to detail.
  • Must follow all procedures for maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy of any data or information related to your research projects and clinical observations.
  • Must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with our program's values of compassion, excellence, innovation, integrity and collaboration.

Please also review details under “Who Should Apply” above.

Step 2: Review timelines and deadlines

  • Application Period: November 23, 2026 (9 a.m. Pacific time) – January 8, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Pacific time)
    • Letters of recommendation are also due by January 8 at 11:59 p.m Pacific time.
    • Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Notification of Acceptance: By the end of March
  • Internship Dates: June 14 – August 13, 2027

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

Please note: Do not email to inquire about the status of your application. Please also refrain from contacting principal investigators directly, and allow the selection and application evaluation process to progress as designed.

Step 3: Prepare before applying

Prepare required documents including resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation and statement of why you want to be considered for this particular program.

  1. Resume (maximum two pages)
    • Name
    • Contact information (address, phone number, email)
    • College and anticipated year of graduation
    • (Anticipated) major; minor (if applicable)
    • Any awards and/or honors received
    • Any research experience (volunteer or work)
    • Any other volunteer, work or leadership roles
    • Relevant skills and strengths
  2. Personal statement (maximum one page, single-spaced)
    • Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in the SPARQ program. Applicants must have a genuine interest in pain or neurologic health research, and in pursuing an advanced degree.
    • What research background do you have?
    • What type(s) of research are you passionate about?
    • Describe how you see your role in promoting health and wellness in the communities we serve. Be specific about how you will leverage innovation and collaboration in science and medicine, particularly in pain and neurologic health.
    • What are your education, training and career goals and how do you think this program will help you achieve these goals? Please be specific.
  3.  Letter of reference
    • Applicants need to upload one professional letter of reference with their application. Be aware that your reference should be given several weeks to complete the letter.
    • Your reference should be a science professor, work supervisor, coach or other mentor. It is not advised to have a friend or family member serve as your professional reference.
  4. Review our research areas (no formal document required)
    • Select research area(s) that you are most interested in:
      • Clinical pain outcomes and epidemiology
      • Basic and translational neurosciences
      • Pediatric pain research
      • Translational pain research
      • Community health research in pain and neurologic health
    • Once the application cycle opens, you will have the opportunity to review mentors from each research area and choose three mentors you are most interested in completing a project with over the summer. If selected for the program, we will do our best to match you with one of your top three mentors.

Step 4: Apply

Complete and submit your application, including all required documents above, during the application period: Monday, November 23, 2026 (9 a.m. Pacific time), through Friday, January 8, 2027 (11:59 p.m. Pacific time). Late applications will not be considered.

Step 5: Offers

Selected students will receive offers from Seattle Children’s by the end of March, and after accepting, start the preboarding and hiring process prior to the June 14 start date.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the SPARQ program team.