Research Training Program for High School Students

Summer 2020: Virtual Research Training Program

The health and safety of our staff, students, and families are of the highest importance. We are continuing to rely on the guidance and expertise of public health agencies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Our mission is to inspire and enable students to pursue future careers in healthcare and biomedical research. We provide innovative programs and offer equitable access to educational opportunities for students throughout Washington state. 

The Virtual Research Training Program is a unique solution during the pandemic to provide resources and remote access to students that are interested in exploring the field of biomedical research. The virtual activities will consist of mini-lectures and live laboratory demonstrations, including DNA extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis, immunoassays, Ficoll blood separation, and more. Also, students will participate in a college prep panel and career exploration workshop. These activities will be led by scientists and instructors in the Science Education Department, and will be live-streamed from the Science Discovery Lab.

There are two identical ten-hour sessions (five days, two hours per day).

There is no cost to participate. Upon finishing the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.

This program is open to those students who have already applied to the 2020 Research Training Program by the April deadline. Registration information and further details will be communicated directly to the students who applied to the 2020 RTP. We are not accepting new applications for the Virtual Research Training Program.

About the Research Training Program

Seattle Children’s Research Institute is committed to cultivating 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 from groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research the opportunity to apply for a competitive position in the Research Training Program at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.

The Research Training Program will host two identical sessions for three weeks each in the Science Discovery Lab in Building Cure.

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. This program provides students with a solid foundation for a future career in biomedical research.

Students will receive stipends to offset the cost of participating in this program.

The program does not provide or arrange housing for students.

Please note that this training program is best suited for students interested in laboratory research.

Please visit the High School and Youth Service Projects or Summer Nurse Camp pages if you are interested in volunteer or clinical positions at Seattle Children’s Hospital. To learn more about other training opportunities at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, please visit the Office for Training, Education and Research.

Executive Summary

In 2019, 41 students participated in our high school programs. All students reported dramatic gains in content knowledge, job skills and preparedness for college and future careers in biomedical research. Download the Executive Summary 2019 (PDF) to read more about our students.

Schedule

Virtual Research Training Program for Summer 2020

• Session 1: Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
• Session 2: Monday, August 10 - Friday, August 14
• Hours: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)

The schedule for the 2021 Research Training Program is pending.

Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidate:

• Has a strong interest in exploring a future career in biomedical research.
• Is a current 10th grade (rising junior) or 11th grade (rising senior) high school student.
• Is responsible, motivated, reliable and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Has a local Washington mailing address.
• Will be available for the entire duration of the session.
• Identifies as underrepresented (see below) in the field of biomedical research. Well-served students will also be considered.

A candidate may be underrepresented if they identify with one of the following statements:

• I belong to a racial or ethnic group that is underrepresented in biomedical research. Examples include but are not limited to: Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander.
• I have a disadvantaged background. For example:
  • I was/am in the foster care system and/or was/am homeless.
  • I was/am eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
  • I had/have no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree.
  • I grew up in a rural area.
  • I experienced other factors that may be considered.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding these eligibility requirements, please email the Science Education Department. Visit the NIH Diversity Guidelines for more information.

How to Apply

We are not accepting new applications for the Virtual Research Training Program for Summer 2020.

Applications for the 2021 Research Training Program will open in January 2021.

Complete the online application form and submit the following:

• Your contact information, including high school and school district.
• Application essay, 1–2 pages, addressing the following:
  1. Describe the community you come from, which may include your cultural group, extended family, neighborhood, school, etc., and how you might add to the diversity of the community at Seattle Children’s. Remember that Seattle Children’s is committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse environment with people from many different cultural backgrounds with varying experiences, values and viewpoints.
  2. What is your previous work experience, including paid or unpaid positions? What skills are applicable to this program? (Previous work experience is not required.)
  3. What are your college goals?
  4. What are your career goals? Tell us about your desire and motivation to pursue a career in biomedical research.
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or other professional, explaining why they think you would be a good fit for this program, plus their contact information.

To learn more, please email the Science Education Department.

Thank you for your interest in the Research Training Program at Seattle Children’s Research Institute!