15 Summer College Programs for High School Students in Maryland
- Stephen Turban
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
For high school students in Maryland, summer college programs in the state offer a valuable (and accessible) opportunity to experience campus life, explore academic interests, and gain exposure to careers in the field! Hosted by universities across the state, the in-person programs below typically run from May through August and cover subjects such as STEM, business, the arts, and more.
You’ll engage in college-level coursework, attend workshops and lectures, and participate in group projects. Many of these programs are low-cost or fully funded, making them accessible to a wide range of students.
To help you find the best fit, we’ve curated 15 summer college programs for high school students in Maryland, selected for their academic rigor, affordability, and institutional reputation.
Location: Virtual or in-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore, MD
Cost: No cost; In-person interns earn an hourly wage and transportation funds, while virtual interns receive a certificate of completion.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: Virtual: 5 weeks | In-person: 8 weeks in the summer (exact dates vary)
Eligibility: Must be a current high school junior or senior, live in Baltimore City, and attend a Baltimore City public high school. If you’re interested in the virtual track, you can apply from anywhere in North America.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program designed to introduce high school students to the field of neuroscience. If you’re selected, you’ll join a group of eight students to work on a research project under the guidance of faculty, staff, and student mentors. Alongside lab work, you’ll observe clinical practices through shadowing neurologists, attend lectures on neuroscience topics, and take part in weekly sessions focused on academic and career development. You’ll also meet regularly with mentors and present your research at the end of the program, either through a poster or oral presentation. JHIBS also offers a five-week virtual option. In this online version, you’ll attend educational sessions, receive mentorship, and learn basic research techniques and lab concepts.
Location: Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided for the summer internship
Application Deadline: February 13
Program Dates:
Summer internship: Typically mid-June to mid-August (8 weeks)
Full year internship: Summer internship + Academic year credit internship
Eligibility: Rising Montgomery County Public School juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, and authorized to work in the U.S.
The IBBR High School Internship Program offers students interested in biotechnology or biomedical research the chance to participate in laboratory-based projects. During the program, you’re paired with a research mentor and take part in hands-on work involving techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and mass spectrometry to study biological molecules. You’ll also build skills in areas like data analysis, designing experiments, and communicating scientific findings. The internship offers insight into how research supports the development of new therapies, advances in biotechnology, and improvements in medical and manufacturing practices.
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s East Baltimore Campus, MD
Cost: No cost; $3,000 stipend
Application Deadline: February 1
Program Dates: June 23 – August 14
Eligibility: Your household income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty limit, and you must be from an educationally under-resourced background.
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) is designed for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in medicine or biomedical science. As a participant, you’ll acquire lab experience by conducting experiments with guidance from doctoral-level mentors. The program also includes coursework in subjects like science, math, writing, and bioethics to strengthen your academic skills. In addition to lab work, you’ll focus on developing practical abilities such as public speaking, effective communication, and networking. There may also be opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects with the potential for publication. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work in a formal scientific setting.
Location: University of Maryland, Princess Anne, MD
Cost/Stipend: Participants receive $500/week
Application Deadline: May 31 (tentative)
Program Dates: June – August
Eligibility: Must be graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have been accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university, and have a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students enrolling at specific partner institutions and those planning to major in a geoscience-related field.
The Geosciences Bridge Program is a six-week summer internship for Maryland high school students interested in geoscience-related fields. The program combines college-level coursework with hands-on learning in areas such as marine biology, atmospheric science, marine chemistry, and geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. As a participant, you’ll live on campus and enroll in two for-credit college courses — either College Algebra or Calculus, and a Freshman Seminar. The program also includes fieldwork, lab sessions, and research activities, providing you with experience in data collection, analysis, and field methods. All instruction and mentoring are provided by university faculty and research staff.
Location: Virtual or in person at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: Late June – August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at least 15 years old by June 1, U.S. citizens, with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
The ASPIRE program allows high school students to explore science and engineering by working on applied projects alongside mentors at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). You’ll be paired with a mentor and placed on a project that aligns with your interests in areas such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, environmental science, or cybersecurity. The program also gives you the option to choose how you want to engage , whether through programming, lab work, design, research, or science communication. Projects are structured to reflect professional STEM environments and are guided by APL staff.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD OR Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 6
Program Dates: Second/third week of June to the second week of August (actual dates vary by year)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors living near the NIST Gaithersburg or NIST Boulder campus with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply.
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) allows you to work alongside NIST scientists and engineers on research projects in areas such as physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering. Depending on your placement, you’ll gain practical experience using lab equipment, analyzing data, and programming. You can be assigned to one of NIST’s six laboratories: Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Engineering Laboratory (EL), Information Technology Laboratory (ITL), Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), or Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML).
Location: The majority of internships take place in Annapolis, MD, but may also be located across the state of Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Paid and volunteer internships are available
Application Deadline: Varies by internship; summer applications open in February and fall applications open in July
Program Dates: 10 – 12 weeks in June-August (summer) and October-December (fall)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school or college with a minimum 2.5 GPA, or who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.
As a DNR intern, you’ll participate in environmental projects throughout Maryland. Your tasks may include inspecting marina equipment, assisting in the design of shoreline restoration efforts, or collecting biological data from rivers. The program highlights hands-on field activities, providing experience in conservation, fisheries science, outdoor recreation planning, and environmental education. You’ll also develop skills in research, environmental monitoring, and communicating with the community. At the conclusion of the internship, you’ll present a summary of your work to DNR staff.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: No cost; stipend provided
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: July 8 – August 8
Eligibility: Baltimore City high school students who can commit to five days a week.
This research program at Johns Hopkins allows high school students to work in a teaching lab using specialized equipment. You will learn from two full-time instructors and gain practical experience that can support future research in college. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, providing insight into the daily responsibilities of a career in biomedical science. In addition to your lab work, you’ll attend classes that link scientific concepts to your experiments. The organization also offers other pre-college programs for those who wish to explore additional options.
Location: Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Towson, MD
Cost: None
Application Deadline: Varies depending on opportunity
Program Dates: One day per week throughout the summer (June – August)
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years old by July 1 and entering the 11th or 12th grade in the Fall. You must also be available for a minimum of 4 hours per week during June, July, and August.
This volunteer program accepts around 20 to 25 high school students to assist in a healthcare environment. You will support hospital staff in various areas, including nursing, patient services, and daily operations. Your duties may include escorting patients, handling administrative tasks, or helping in hospital retail spaces. The program offers a brief opportunity to gain insight into healthcare careers. Your specific placement will be based on your availability, skills, and the hospital’s needs. Participation can also fulfill community service requirements.
Location: Virtual/various labs across the country. Maryland locations include Aberdeen, Bethesda, Frederick, Adelphi, and Silver Spring.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend varies by internship location and duration.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Typically during the summer months (exact dates vary).
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or legal residents. Additional requirements may vary by location.
The AEOP High School Internship offers you the opportunity to work directly with a scientist or engineer in a university lab or U.S. Army research facility. During the summer, you’ll contribute to ongoing research projects and gain practical experience using lab techniques and specialized equipment. The program helps you develop skills in data collection, laboratory methods, and scientific communication, under the guidance of your research mentor. You can also connect with other interns nationwide and take part in workshops covering STEM careers, college preparation, and professional development.
Location: Various labs across the country. Maryland locations include Annapolis, Bethesda, Patuxent River, and Silver Spring.
Stipend: $4,000 (first-year interns); $4,500 (returning interns)
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks; exact dates vary by lab. Opportunities are available during the summer.
Eligibility: Academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program. Must be U.S. citizens, Students are encouraged to check for any specific lab requirements.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) lets you spend eight weeks during the summer working on research projects in a Department of Navy laboratory. You’ll collaborate with scientists and engineers, gaining practical experience in Naval research and technology. This program teaches you about the tools and techniques employed in professional science and engineering, while also helping you build technical and analytical skills. The experience can help you better understand your career interests and enhance your college applications.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.
Program Dates: July 29 – August 2
Eligibility: Rising 9th –12th grade students
This virtual program, led by current engineering students at the University of Maryland, was created through the RISE Program in partnership with the Women in Engineering Program. It is designed primarily for female high school students entering grades 9 through 12, but students of all gender identities are welcome to participate. Over one week, you’ll be introduced to various engineering fields through online sessions. Each day focuses on a different engineering discipline, highlighting the university's research labs. You’ll also learn how to read and write scientific research papers, take part in simple at-home experiments, and interact with current undergraduate engineering students.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 22 – July 26
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are between 15 and 18 years old at the start of the program. Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or other students of color, as well as those who have faced economic challenges, are especially encouraged to apply.
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior interested in the liberal arts, the Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS) offers a six-week program centered on critical thinking and community engagement. The program is fully funded, covering all expenses to remove financial barriers. During TASS, you’ll participate in daily three-hour sessions featuring discussions, group projects, and lectures conducted by experienced instructors. You’ll also work on developing your writing skills through essay assignments. Outside of class, the program emphasizes collaborative decision-making in group activities, creating an inclusive environment for students with similar interests.
Location: Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26
Eligibility: Students entering 12th grade or those approved for high school graduation are eligible to apply. Additionally, recent high school graduates planning to start classes in the fall at Morgan’s School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences may also apply.
The Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS) is an academic program aimed at high school students interested in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science. The Department of Mathematics program motivates students to consider careers in these areas by exposing them to the academic challenges typical of these disciplines. During SAAMS, you’ll take classes in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Computer Science. The program also includes field trips and professional development sessions to support your growth. Admission is competitive, involving an application and interview, and accepted students receive a stipend.
Location: Columbia, Howard County, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: Varies depending on the opportunity (Opportunities are available during the summer).
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 by the start date of the program, or 16 with parental consent if participating in the School to Apprenticeship program, and must have a high school diploma, an equivalent credential, or be a dual-enrolled high school senior.
HCC’s Hospitality Management Apprenticeship Programs combine classroom learning with hands-on work experience to prepare you for a career in hospitality management. Through these earn-as-you-learn programs, you’ll build a foundation in business and technical skills while gaining practical experience in hotels, restaurants, resorts, or other food and lodging facilities. The program offers two pathways: Food Service Manager and Hotel and Lodging Manager. In the Food Service Manager track, you’ll receive training for roles such as Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Back House Manager. The Hotel and Lodging Manager track focuses on skills relevant to positions such as Event Manager, Hospitality Manager, or Hotel and Lodging Manager.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Johns Hopkins University logo