Guidelines for Applicants

We are excited for your interest in the Summer Scholars Program. This page provides important considerations for applying, and specific guidelines.

Who Should Apply for the Summer Scholars Program

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.
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 to optimize the program’s impact.
Students must be able to reside in Seattle or within commuting distance for the duration of the program.
Scholars must commit to participating and attending the entire duration of the internship program. The full-time program includes a robust, planned curriculum, so does not allow for time away or vacations. No late starts or early departures can be accommodated.
The Summer Scholars Program is for students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the biomedical and health sciences, as defined by the NIH. Students from these groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Step 1: Review specific eligibility criteria and expectations

Minimum job qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program and eligible to work in the U.S.
Currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an undergraduate, community or technical college, and in good standing with your institution. Applicants currently 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 values of compassion, excellence, equity, innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

Step 2: Review timeline and deadlines

Timeline

Proposed timeline subject to change.

Dec. 17, 2024: Applications open at 9 a.m. Pacific time for the summer 2025 program.
Jan. 15, 2025: Applications close at 5 p.m. Pacific time. Late applications will not be accepted.
Jan. 15 to March 20, 2025: Applications reviewed to determine interviews. Interviews will be conducted in February to recommend finalists for research projects.

Applicants will be notified of selection or rejection by March 20.

March 10 to June 16, 2025: Onboarding for selected interns.
June 16 to Aug. 15, 2025: Paid Internship.
Fall 2025: SSSP report published and distributed.

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

Please note: You will be notified of the status of your application by March 20. Please do not email to inquire the status of your application.

Also, please refrain from contacting Seattle Children’s 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 a specific project.

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)
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

Personal statement

Things to include in your personal statement:

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.) What types of research are you passionate about?

Mentor letter of reference

Applicants need to upload a professional letter of reference with their application. Be aware, a reference should be given several weeks to complete the letter.

Your reference can 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.

Research project interest statements

Decide which type of research most interests you. You will review and pick your top 3 projects from 2025 proposals, and write out your reason for each project.
If you are most interested in research projects investigating biological and disease mechanisms in a laboratory setting, then view the 2024 Basic Science/Bench Research projects.
If you are most interested in research projects that address clinical issues, improve patient care and outcomes in a hospital or community setting (Clinical/Behavioral Research), then view the 2024 Clinical/Behavioral Research projects.

Step 4: Apply

Complete and submit the program application prior to the deadline (usually in January).

Step 5: Interviews, if advanced

A smaller pool of applicants is advanced to program interviews, and then finalists are forwarded to Seattle Children’s principal investigators to complete the final interviews and/or selection.

Step 6: Offers

Scholars receive internship offers from Seattle Children’s, and after accepting, start the employee preboarding and hiring process prior to the June start date.

Questions?

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