Forge Your Path in Research

Summer Scholars Program

The Summer Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with a summer internship opportunity to engage in basic, clinical, community-based or translational research projects at Seattle Children’s Research Institute under the mentorship of experienced researchers.

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

Prior formal research experience is not required. Program applicants seeking their first formal research internship will be prioritized over applicants who have completed other research internship programs.

Scientific advancements and biomedical research benefit everyone. Therefore, we are committed to recruiting students from all communities to become the next generation of leaders in science and medicine.

Applicants:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program and eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Must be currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an undergraduate, community or technical college, and in good standing with your academic institution. Undergraduates graduating during or prior to the program start date are not eligible. Those in graduate school or medical school are not eligible to apply.
  • 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 research projects and to Seattle Children’s business operations.
  • Must conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Seattle Children's policies.

Program Components

  • Hands-on mentored research
    Scholars engage in authentic research as integral members of Seattle Children’s research teams. Applicants will identify research areas that they are interested in. The program will match each scholar with a mentor whose research aligns closely with their identified area of interest. Working closely with mentors, scholars gain valuable skills and insights into the research process. Over the course of the nine-week program, scholars spend 35 hours preforming mentored research activities.
  • Curriculum to strengthen research knowledge and skills, consider research pathways, and explore contemporary issues in research 
    Scholars will attend biweekly professional development activities. The curriculum is intended to support scholars in learning the principles of responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR), to provide professional development that helps them discover or clarify their short- and long-term career goals, and to provide opportunities for networking and community building.
  • Publish and present research
    The program culminates with each scholar publishing an abstract of their research project and presenting their research at the poster symposium in the program's final week.

Compensation

Scholars receive a $7100 stipend, $400 food stipend, and an ORCA card for Seattle-area public transportation to use during the internship.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 program open on November 17 (8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time) and close on January 2 (midnight, Pacific Standard Time). Please read the guidelines for applicants for detailed information to help you prepare. 

Scholar Profiles and Research Abstracts

View the 2025 Summer Scholar Research Abstracts (PDF)

Available upon request: Research Abstracts (2024, 2023), Scholar Profiles (2025, 2024, 2023), Program Reports (2024, 2023).

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Summer Scholars Program team.