15 Finance Internships for High School Students in Seattle
If you’re a high school student interested in finance, doing an internship can be one of the most effective ways to learn how the industry works beyond the classroom. You get the chance to work on real projects, observe professionals, and understand roles like banking, accounting, and investment analysis.
Seattle is home to major headquarters like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, along with banks, investment firms, and business services. For local students, this means internships are accessible without the need for long travel, and you can connect with many finance professionals. This kind of experience also strengthens your CV, showing future schools or employers that you’ve taken the initiative to learn finance outside the classroom.
To help you get started, we’ve gathered 15 finance internships in Seattle for high school students!
15 Finance Internships for High School Students in Seattle
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies according to program type; financial aid available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a highly selective, virtual internship program designed for ambitious high school students who want to gain real-world experience working with fast-growing startups. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program matches you with a startup in industries ranging from AI/ML, deep tech, and health tech to journalism, marketing, consulting, and more. These startups are typically high-growth companies, many have raised over $1 million, and some are led by Y Combinator alumni or former employees of tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. As an intern, you work closely with your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects tailored to your interests and strengths. You’ll present your work to the company at last.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. CLA High School Internship
Location: Various offices nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: None
Dates: Differ by city
Application Deadlines: Applications open in November, close in January
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18
The CLA High School Internship Program is a four-week paid summer opportunity for students aged 16–18. The program is designed to give you direct exposure to the professional services industry by placing you in real work settings. During the internship, you gain hands-on experience in finance, accounting, tax, wealth management, digital services, and consulting. You work on real client projects and case studies that show how CLA supports both businesses and communities. This allows you to see how financial and advisory work operates in practice rather than just in theory. You also shadow CLA professionals to observe their day-to-day responsibilities and join team projects where you contribute to work that connects directly to client service.
4. Young Executives of Colour
Location: University of Washington Foster School of Business
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: Approximately 160–180 students
Dates: Sep 20 - May 16 (Not the entirety, but in small sessions throughout the year)
Application Deadlines: May 31
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors from any high school in Washington State
The Young Executives of Color (YEOC) program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business is a free, nine-month college-readiness initiative for high school juniors and seniors in Washington State. If you're focused on finance, YEOC gives you monthly exposure to core business topics, including financial analysis, budgeting, and consulting, through Saturday sessions that blend lectures, workshops, and hands-on case competitions. You’ll be paired with a UW student mentor who supports you in college prep, scholarship applications, and navigating school life.
5. McKinstry B.L.U.E. Internship Program - Accounting Track
Location: Seattle, WA (McKinstry offices)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($22/hour based on recent postings)
Cohort Size: 50+ interns annually across all tracks
Dates: Summer program (typically June-August)
Application Deadlines: Applications typically open in early spring
Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age or older, have completed lower-level financial and managerial accounting courses, pursuing an accounting or finance degree
McKinstry's B.L.U.E. (Build, Learn, Understand, Enrich) Internship Program offers hands-on experience in accounting and finance within the sustainable building industry. If you're focused on finance, you'll work directly with McKinstry's Finance and Accounting division on real client projects involving cost accounting, budget analysis, and financial reporting for construction and energy efficiency projects. The program provides exposure to project finance, contract accounting, and sustainability economics. You'll assist with accounts payable and receivable processes, budget preparation, and financial analysis while learning how finance operates in the green building sector.
6. Summer Business Institute
Location: Seattle University, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Program is free with a $50 registration fee
Cohort Size: Not Specified
Dates: July 19-25
Application Deadlines: Typically open in early spring and close by mid-May
Eligibility: Rising 9th through 12th graders
The Summer Business Institute (SBI) at Seattle University is a one-week, credit-bearing business residency for high school students. The program immerses you in college-level coursework and project-based learning focused on economics, marketing, data visualization, and social entrepreneurship. You’ll work in teams, visit local companies, and receive feedback from business professionals, earning two college credits through the Albers School of Business & Economics. You’ll meet professors, industry guests, and students from diverse backgrounds while building presentation, teamwork, and leadership skills.
7. High School Internships at Seattle City Light
Location: Seattle City Light, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid
Application Deadline: Opportunities are posted in early April each year
Dates: 8 weeks running from mid-June/early July – August
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ with a minimum GPA of 2.0 with a US legal permit
The Seattle City Light High School Internship Program is an eight-week paid summer opportunity that gives you hands-on experience in the business of energy production and distribution. You’ll work on administrative tasks, assist with key projects, and step into the field to observe how utility operations function in real time. The program focuses on professional development, equity in the workplace, and mentorship from City Light staff and executive leaders. You’ll also prepare and present a summary of your experience to staff and fellow interns, building your skills in communication, teamwork, and public speaking.
8. SPARK Internship
Location: Greater Seattle area
Cost / Stipend: Free participation (no fee); stipends, travel support, or unpaid placements depend on the project
Cohort Size: Varies by project; generally 5–6 students per project
Program Dates: Typically in March or April
Application Deadline: Opens in April; student selection occurs during May–June
Eligibility: Current high school students; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP) is a competitive internship for high school students in the Greater Seattle area. If you focus on finance, you gain experience in data analysis, project management, and professional communication. Many projects are interdisciplinary, linking financial concepts with technology and research. Each intern is paired with a mentor who may be an industry expert, university faculty member, or professional from a startup or established company. You meet regularly with your mentor, present your work, and take part in workshops and site visits.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane in Washington; Final summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: 300 students are selected nationwide. Each local market (e.g., Seattle or Spokane) generally accepts 2–5 students.
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: 8-week paid internship plus the 7-day Student Leaders Summit on July 21–26
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a highly competitive, eight-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors that places you at a local nonprofit in Seattle. If you're focused on finance, this program gives you direct exposure to nonprofit budgeting, operations, and service delivery, helping you understand how financial strategy supports community impact. You’ll work 35 hours per week, gaining real responsibility and hands-on experience in nonprofit business functions. In addition to your internship, you’ll attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., a fully funded, week-long event.
10. Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World
Location: Remote
Cost: $4,099 + $100 application fee
Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: April 2 (Priority Deadline); May 1 (Final Deadline)
Dates: Session 1: June 16 – 27; Session 2: July 7 – 18; Session 3: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in grades 9-12
The Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World is a two-week online summer course designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who want to explore business leadership and innovation. If you're focused on finance, this program introduces you to key business concepts through interactive simulations, team-based projects, and live sessions with Wharton faculty. You'll explore topics like design thinking, scenario planning, and strategic decision-making, all while working in small groups to develop a final project that predicts the future of business under your leadership.
11. Port of Seattle High School Internships
Location: Various offices in Seattle
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Not Specified
Dates: Summer or Winter (check their websites for the update)
Application Deadlines: May 18
Eligibility: 16 years of age and authorized to work in the US
The Port of Seattle High School Internship Program is a paid, eight-week summer opportunity that gives you hands-on experience in public-sector business operations. If you're focused on finance, you’ll work on real projects that support departments like aviation, maritime, governance, and community outreach, gaining exposure to budgeting, process improvement, and financial reporting in a regional economic context. You’ll develop core business skills, including public speaking, project management, workplace technology, and inclusive practices. You’ll follow the Port’s Code of Conduct and complete the program by presenting a summary of your work to staff and fellow interns.
12. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Varies based on internship; Virtual options available
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Not Specified
Application Deadline: Applications open early February, close in March for summer programs
Dates: August to May
Eligibility: High school students, typically aged 16 or older, usually sophomores–seniors, and often expected to meet a 3.0 GPA and commute to PNNL
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship is a paid, credit-eligible opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in finance and business operations. If you're interested in finance, you'll work alongside PNNL professionals on real projects involving budgeting, organizational strategy, and operational support. You will contribute up to 4 hours per day during the school year or work full-time in summer, depending on availability. You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship, attend leadership and career development workshops, participate in lab tours, and join field-trip site visits.
13. New York Institute of Finance Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Ranges from $950 for self-paced programs to $2,200 for live virtual sessions
Cohort Size: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Varies by program
Eligibility: Middle & High School Students aged 13-18 years
The New York Institute of Finance (NYIF) Pre-College Programs are virtual opportunities open to high school students, including those in Seattle. The programs are taught live online by experienced Wall Street professionals and give you direct exposure to core areas of finance. You study macroeconomics, stock valuation, IPOs, corporate mergers and acquisitions, and sustainable finance. The program uses case studies, company analysis, and group projects so you can apply concepts to real business situations. You also examine how financial decisions are made in industries such as banking, insurance, and private equity.
14. Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) High School Summer Internship
Location: Seattle, WA (ISB facilities)
Cost/Stipend: Paid at $5,000 stipend over 8 weeks
Cohort Size: 4-10 students annually
Dates: June 30 – August 22
Application Deadlines: Posted in January, applications typically due in March
Eligibility: Current 11th graders only (rising seniors)
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) High School Summer Internship is an 8-week paid program that links scientific research with the business side of biotech. While you work on systems biology projects, you’ll also see how funding and budgets are managed, and how financial strategies support long-term research. As a finance-focused intern, you’ll connect with ISB’s administrative, financial, legal, and business development teams to learn about grant management and planning for scientific projects. The program also includes ISB’s STEM Leadership curriculum, where you explore entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the economics of innovation in science.
15. Academy of Finance at Ballard High School
Location: Ballard High School, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; includes paid internship
Cohort Size: Not Specified
Dates: Ongoing throughout the school year; internship in summer between junior and senior year
Application Deadlines: Not Specified (check with school for enrollment)
Eligibility: High school students interested in business, economics, finance, or personal finances
The Academy of Finance (AOF) at Ballard High School is part of the National Academy Foundation and prepares students for careers in business and finance. The program includes courses in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and management, along with real-world learning. Between junior and senior year, you’ll complete a paid summer internship, attend career conferences, and receive resume, interview, and mentorship support from UW Foster School of Business students. You’ll also network with professionals from firms like Key Bank and KPMG, take part in a college exploratory class at Seattle University, and visit Wall Street during a senior-year trip to New York.