15 Internships for High School Students in Maryland
If you’re an ambitious high school student looking to apply to some of the top universities across the country, internships can significantly elevate your college applications. Acing your academics is only one part of an impressive portfolio; internships demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to your field, which can help you stand out amongst your peers.
Internships can also prepare you for the professional world and help you establish a strong foundation in your chosen field before you graduate! Every internship offers a host of unique benefits that can improve your applications and enhance your experience in college.
If you’re a high schooler in the state of Maryland, there are a number of internships you can consider applying to, along with some virtual ones! We’ve curated this list of 15 best internships for high school students in Maryland, covering subjects across various disciplines, including STEM, medicine, marketing, business, and more.
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Cost: $1990 - Startup Internship | $5400 Research Internship | $6400 combined. Financial aid is available.
Location: Remote. You can intern from anywhere across the world! Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer Cohort (Regular Admission 1) - April 14, 2024 | Summer Cohort (Regular Admission 2) - May 12, 2024. Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: High school students who can dedicate 15-20 hours a week, for a duration of 8-12 weeks. Undergraduates and gap year students are also welcome!
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world. Students can choose to intern in a field of their choice, from a wide range of industries including machine learning, AI, technology, medicine, health tech, business, finance, media, journalism, and more.
Ladder internships are designed to enable students to work closely with a manager from the startup, along with guidance from a Ladder Coach, who serves as a second mentor. During the internship, you will work on real-world projects that contribute to the organization’s larger goal, and present your work at the end of the program. The program also provides one-on-one training in communication, time management, and more, along with group sessions with fellow interns.
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Subject areas: STEM Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend may be provided based on the duration of the session, and the student’s academic level.
Location: Varies based on the internship, which may also be virtual. In Maryland, in-person internships are conducted at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Glenn Dale, MD. Application Deadline: Applications for summer internships typically close in February. Program Dates: May-August (10 weeks). Spring and fall internships are also available. Eligibility:
-Must be a U.S. Citizen
-Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
-Be at least 16 years old at the time of the application
-Be enrolled as a full-time high school or undergraduate student.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internship opportunities based in most of its sites across the country, including the Goddard Space Flight Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland. These are prestigious, valuable opportunities that allow you to contribute to current projects at the agency under the mentorship of researchers, scientists, and engineers at NASA. The internships will include training, mentoring, and career development opportunities, while you work with some of the top science, engineering, financial, information technology, and business minds in the world. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications.
During a NASA STEM internship, you could participate in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, getting valuable experience and a solid insight into NASA's work. You can check out all the open positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students. If you’re a budding engineer or astrophysicist, interning with NASA is the most prestigious experience you can have in your college application!
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Subject areas: Technology, engineering, computer science, communications, STEM
Cost/Stipend: None. Students must pay for their own transportation and housing.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD (or Boulder, CO)
Application Deadline: Applications typically close by mid-February.
Program Dates: The program typically runs for 8 weeks from the second or third week of June to mid-August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are eligible to work in the U.S. and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) offered by NIST is a fairly competitive program for high school students who have completed their junior or senior year (by the start of the program) and demonstrate an interest in scientific research. During this program, you will get to engage in cutting-edge research at NIST and work closely with NIST scientists and engineers on a specific research topic.
You can choose to intern at one of the 6 NIST laboratories that participate in the SHIP program: Communications Technology Lab, Engineering Lab, Information Technology Lab, Material Measurement Lab, NIST Center for Neutron Research, and Physical Measurement Lab. Some research areas can include sustainable manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing (such as automation, robotics, and equipment), net zero-energy buildings, and integrated and automated construction processes, just to name a few. You can look at the full list here!
4. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) Program
Subject areas: Medicine, neurology, neuroscience
Cost/Stipend: No cost. In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus. Application Deadline: December 1 to March 1 for the summer programs Program Dates: 8 weeks, June 2024 - August 2024 (in-person); 5 weeks, July 2023 - August 2023 (virtual)
Eligibility:
-Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
-Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.
The JHIBS program is designed to make the field of neuroscience and neurology more inclusive. Its in-person option is an 8-week, fully-funded summer research program that invites high school students from underrepresented communities to apply. During the program, you will participate in research under the guidance and mentorship of top researchers in the field, in hands-on projects, discussions, scientific seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU.
The program is open to 5-6 students and provides them with an hourly stipend, and also covers transportation costs. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. To get an idea of past projects, visit here. The program is also offered virtually, for students who cannot attend the program on campus.
5. University of Maryland's GeoSciences Bridge Program
Subject areas: Geosciences, ocean science, atmospheric sciences, GIS techniques
Cost/Stipend: $500 per week, along with reimbursements for travel. The program includes all lectures, field trips, college courses, housing, and meals at no cost. Location: University of Maryland, Princess Anne, MD Application Deadline: You can expect the deadline for the 2024 cohort to be around April-end.
Program Dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years) Eligibility: High school seniors who are entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in the fall. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA. The program particularly encourages students from underrepresented groups who are planning to pursue a career in geoscience to apply.
This is a fully-funded, paid 6-week internship opportunity ideal for high school students interested in geosciences, with tuition and fees for two for-credit college-level courses covered. This is a fairly competitive program, with an acceptance rate of 2-3% – only 7-8 students are accepted in each cohort.
As a GeoSciences intern, you will be expected to engage and learn about ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. You will also be required to take two college-level courses, before you start your undergraduate degree, to help prepare you for college academics. The program will cover meals, housing, travel to and fro the University of Maryland, as well as any other activities you may choose to undertake as part of the internship. It also provides a stipend!
6. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Note: Part of the HS-SIP are two programs, High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0.
Subject areas: STEM, biomedicine, medicine Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided - $2,300-2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country. The NIH campus and labs are located in Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ.
Application deadline: February 1, every year.
Program dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer, information on exact dates is not available.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2024, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
NIH offers a number of summer internship programs in STEM fields for high school students. HS-SIP allows students to engage in hands-on biomedical research while working with expert scientists and mentors. During the program, you will work on current research projects, analyze data, and develop essential laboratory skills.
HiSTEP partners with some of the country’s top research institutions to help students explore different STEM disciplines. HiSTEP is not a hands-on, full-time research program. It will combine an introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills with leadership training, wellness programming, and an exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine-related) careers. In addition, it will help prepare you for future scholarships and internships.
HiSTEP 2.0, an advanced continuation program, offers an in-depth exploration of scientific research. Tailored for students who have completed HiSTEP or similar research experiences, HiSTEP 2.0 allows you to design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of mentor scientists in the field of biomedicine.
You will also participate in weekly workshops and seminars aimed at developing your scientific, professional, and personal skills.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country. Students based in Maryland can choose between several locations (Annapolis, Bethesda, Patuxent River, and Silver Spring).
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
SEAP is a prestigious research program that offers high school students the opportunity to work in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country. You will get to work leading scientists, researchers, and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities on real Naval research. You will be mentored by expert scientists and engineers at Navy labs. While working on projects hands-on, you will build your knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics.
Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest, and students can apply to up to 3 labs. With approximately 300 placements across over 38 laboratories nationwide, SEAP is highly competitive, and because of its association with the US government, it’s regarded as highly prestigious too.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Subject areas: Community service, nonprofit work, leadership, business, administration
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Location: The program is held all across the country – you will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington DC.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Program dates: 8-week summer internship, including an all-expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
Every year, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects around 300 driven, community-minded high schoolers to intern with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity and experience community service through a paid eight-week internship. Students are placed with nonprofit organizations in their localities.
This highly selective internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The travel, food and stay will be covered by the bank. During the summit, you will get to understand how stakeholders like nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate and interact to meet local needs. This experience enables you to create change and improve more lives with inspiring stories of enthusiasm and commitment.
9. CLA High School Internship Program
Subject areas: Accounting, finance, business
Stipend: It is a paid opportunity, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Location: Various locations across the US. See all available locations here. Students based in Maryland can select the one in Baltimore!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years can apply.
The CLA High School Internship Program is a good idea if you’re interested in the world of accounting and finance. The program offers a comprehensive, practical understanding of accounting, covering areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. As an intern, you will participate in projects, working with experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, honing your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The program also emphasizes networking and professional development. You will get to interact with industry experts, professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships that may be useful in the future, while getting first-hand experience in the field.
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Subject areas: Aquatic science, fisheries science
Stipend: $3,000. The program includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit at the University of Arkansas.
Location: Based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of your home)
Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Flexible dates that are mutually decided on by the intern and their mentor, typically between June and August.
Eligibility: All current high school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are eligible to apply.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. The program aims to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic science, especially among underrepresented groups. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be paired with and mentored by a fisheries professional in your local area. Interns will gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, and experience in conducting laboratory and field research.
Interns participate in resource conservation and management projects and will learn about career opportunities. Some possible activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data processing, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more. This program also includes an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas!
11. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Subject areas: STEM disciplines
Stipend: Varies from location to location.
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location. The program is intended for commuters and transportation, meals, and housing are not provided.
Application deadline: Rolling basis. Check AEOP’s Summer 2024 opportunities here for the application dates.
Program Dates: This is a summer internship program, specific dates vary from location to location.
Eligibility: Those applying must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
This program is a chance to work one-on-one with a university researcher or Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on research projects. As an intern, you will be exposed to high-tech equipment and cutting-edge techniques in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and have access to professional scientists and engineers. Additionally, you will learn from other STEM practitioners during the internship. The Army-sponsored research that you will be a part of addresses the USA’s biggest challenges. The program aims to hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to prepare you for a career in STEM. Further, through expert mentorship and collaboration with professionals, you can contribute to the discovery and innovation that will benefit the country. You can check AEOP’s Summer 2024 opportunities here.
12. Werner H. Kirsten (WHK) Student Intern Program
Subject areas: Medicine, biomedicine
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend will be provided to summer interns. Year-round interns receive credit.
Location: National Cancer Institute at Frederick, MD
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: Vary based on the session. June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024. There’s a year-long option offered too, which begins May 31, 2024.
Eligibility: Students must be a US citizen or permanent resident and:
-Be 17 years or older before the program starts
-Attend a participating school within 30 miles of the NCI-Frederick Campus
-Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or provide a third teacher recommendation if their GPA is 2.5-3.0
-Obtain a Maryland work permit
-Have 10 or fewer excused absences during their sophomore year of school and provide an explanation if they supersede that amount.
-Work 40 hours a week for 8 weeks during the Summer Session, and dedicate 3 hours for 5 days a week during the entire school year for the School Year Session
This internship program is structured to introduce students to research in the fields of medicine and biomedicine. Students can choose between the summer internship and school-year internship, and also select whether they wish to participate in scientific research or scientific research support. Scientific research roles are offered in subjects such as molecular biology, cancer metabolism, chemical biology, molecular cloning, RNA and DNA sequencing, cell biology, and more. Scientific support internships provide experience in support of science and biomedical research in areas such as Bioinformatics, statistical and data analysis, information technology, graphics and media, science communications, IT and security, scientific education and outreach, and partnership development.
Summer interns are expected to work full-time (40 hours per week) for eight consecutive weeks during the summer training period and will receive a stipend. Year-round interns are expected to volunteer three (3) hours per day five (5) days a week during the entire school year as student volunteer (no stipend) and in exchange will receive four (4) weighted credits towards their diploma.
13. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Cost/Stipend: None.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
This Stanford internship program offers valuable insight into a number of fields. As an intern, you will engage in projects and collaborative work, gaining hands-on experience across STEM fields. You will spend most of your time conducting research and be in regular communication with your mentor(s) and group members. Stanford's faculty and industry experts will be your guides, as you deepen your understanding of technology's ever-evolving landscape.
Participating in this program can equip you with technical skills. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration mirrors the real-world scenarios in tech industries, fostering adaptability and resilience. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas.
14. Internships at Maryland Public Television (MPT)
Subject areas: Television programming, development, co-productions and related business development
Cost/Stipend: None.
Location: Both in-person (Baltimore) and virtual options are offered.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2024
Program Dates: Summer session: June 2, 2024 - August 15, 2024 | Fall session: September 10, 2024 - December 15, 2024 | Spring session: January 28, 2025 to May 15, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors willing to commit to at least 16 hours per week
MPT offers in-person and/or virtual unpaid internships that provide a valuable educational experience in television programming, development, co-productions, and related business development. For these roles, MPT seeks creative, motivated, and energetic students to lend their effort and time, a minimum of 16 hours per week.
Apart from these, MPT also offers general internships in the fields of public relations, communications, content, client relations, sales, marketing, TV production, community engagement, IT, education, administration, and more. Take a look at some of the past internship projects here!
15. Veritas AI Internship
Subject areas: AI, ML, computer science
Cost: $2,490 (some financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Dates: The start date for the upcoming cohort is November 11, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, including computer science, tech, and engineering. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.