About the Program

Grades 9-12 

Open to all students, the Biomedical Research Internship for the Growth of High-school Trainees from Underserved Populations (BRIGHT-UP) is an immersive, paid, summer research internship offered by the UW School of Medicine for educationally and/or economically underserved high school students. The program’s mission is to deliver an outstanding educational experience to talented high school students who are interested in exploring biomedical research as a career path.

BRIGHT-UP runs from July to August and hosts an average of 25 students each summer. Students are expected to dedicate 30 hours per week over the course of 7 weeks. During the first week of the program, students receive an introduction to research at the UW, biosafety, and benchwork techniques. At the heart of the program is a 6-week internship in a UW research lab, where students are mentored one-on-one by a scientist and develop a research project. Other career development activities include: discussion panels led by biomedical researchers and trainees, visits to labs across a range of disciplines, and training in presentation skills. At the end of the program, students participate in an extraordinary symposium where they get to share their results with their mentors, peers, families, and the UW community.

Application Instructions

For students from Partner Organizations

BRIGHT-UP partners with three local non-profit organizations: Rainier Scholars, Minds Matter, and Spin Girls. Students affiliated with any of them should apply through their respective organization.

For students applying independently

Students applying independently are required to complete a short application form. To qualify, applicants must be current high school students (9th–12th grade) who meet at least one of the following criteria: low-income status or being the first in their families to attend college.

Access the 2026 BRIGHT-UP Application: https://nbio.uw.edu/BRIGHT-UP-App-26

Learn more about BRIGHT-UP: https://www.hcop.uw.edu/bright-up/

Contact: BRIGHT-UP Program, brightup@uw.edu