15 Summer Programs for High School Students in Baltimore, MD
- Stephen Turban
- Feb 23
- 12 min read
If you are a high school student looking to use your summer productively, structured programs can help you grow academically while exploring potential career interests. Across subjects such as STEM, public policy, healthcare, the arts, and business, these programs introduce you to advanced content, professional expectations, and collaborative learning environments. By participating, you can strengthen your academic skills, build confidence, and gain clarity about what you may want to study in college.
Why should you attend a program in Baltimore?
Baltimore is home to institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, major research hospitals, and mission-driven nonprofits that actively engage students through summer programs. You can contribute to laboratory research, legal offices, healthcare settings, government programs, and arts institutions while learning from experienced mentors. With options available for both Baltimore residents and students coming from outside the city, the area offers diverse pathways aligned with a wide range of academic and professional interests.
To help you navigate your options, we have narrowed this list to 15 summer programs for high school students in Baltimore.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, East Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $3,000 (housing not provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, small cohort of local students
Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: Opens November 1
Eligibility: High school students from households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level who are educationally under-resourced, including first-generation college-bound students or those attending predominantly low-income schools; applicants must show strong motivation
The Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) is a rigorous, full-time summer internship designed for Baltimore-area high school students interested in biomedical research. Over eight weeks, you will be placed in a Johns Hopkins research laboratory, where you gain hands-on exposure to experimental methods, data interpretation, and scientific communication under close mentorship. The program pairs lab research with structured academic enrichment in areas such as mathematics, scientific writing, and bioethics to reinforce college-level skills. Built around four core pillars, mentoring, professionalism, research, and academic fortification, SARE emphasizes both technical growth and long-term academic development. You can even contribute to peer-reviewed research projects, and the program demonstrates strong outcomes in college enrollment and STEM degree persistence among alumni.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective, individualized 1:1 mentorship model
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round
Spring: March–June
Summer: June–August
Fall: September–December
Winter: December–February
Application Deadline: Rolling, with cohort deadlines in January, May, September, November
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic performance, recommended GPA 3.3 or higher; no prior research experience required
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research mentorship designed for high school students seeking experience in independent, academic research. You are matched one-on-one with a PhD mentor from a leading university to develop and execute an original research project in your chosen field. Over a structured 12-week period, you will learn how to conduct scholarly literature reviews, analyze qualitative or quantitative data, and write in a formal academic style. The program concludes with a polished research paper that reflects sustained inquiry and mentorship-driven feedback. With available tracks spanning psychology, medicine, computer science, economics, physics, and engineering, the program allows you to pursue advanced research aligned with your academic interests.
Location: Law firms and law-related agencies, Baltimore City, MD
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship, $15/hour; professional attire provided at no cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, limited cohort of Baltimore City students
Dates: Seven weeks, starting late June
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; apply in advance of summer placement
Eligibility: Baltimore City public high school sophomores and juniors who live in Baltimore City and commit to full-time participation for all seven weeks and follow professional workplace standards
The Law Links Internship is a paid, full-time summer program that places Baltimore City public high school students in law firms and law-related organizations. Over seven weeks, you will work Monday through Friday in a professional legal setting, gaining exposure to workplace expectations, office operations, and legal career pathways. In addition to on-site work, participants complete the Law & Leadership Institute, a structured 50-hour seminar that begins with a multi-day orientation and continues weekly throughout the program. The program emphasizes professionalism and career readiness, including daily business attire, which is provided in full to ensure equal access for all students. Designed to go beyond a traditional summer job, Law Links prepares you for long-term success in professional environments through mentorship, training, and real-world experience.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies by program and track
Dates: Multiple 12–15 week cohorts offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling; cohort deadlines in January, May, September, November
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants need completion of AI Scholars or prior experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI is a selective virtual program founded by Harvard graduate students for high school students interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Beginners can start with the AI Scholars program, a structured, multi-session course that introduces core AI concepts and applied data science through guided instruction and hands-on projects. If you are seeking a more advanced experience, apply to the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase, where you work one-on-one with a mentor from a top university to develop an original AI research or applied project. The fellowship emphasizes independent problem-solving, technical skill development, and research communication. Participants in the advanced track also receive support from an in-house publication team to help prepare their work for submission to high school research journals.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (commuter, residential, hybrid, online)
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; varies by program and format (financial aid and fee waivers available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by program and format
Dates: Spring and summer sessions (summer runs May–August; schedules vary)
Application Deadline: Rolling; program-specific deadlines before each session
Eligibility: High school students with strong interest in engineering, math, science, or computer science; grade level varies by program
The Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation programs offer high school students a structured introduction to engineering and applied STEM through faculty-designed, college-level coursework. Depending on the program you choose, you may explore biomedical engineering, general engineering disciplines, sustainable energy systems, or computer programming through hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving. Programs such as Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) and Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI) emphasize applying math, physics, and biology to real-world challenges while earning Johns Hopkins academic credit. Instruction is delivered by Johns Hopkins faculty and instructors, with options to participate as a commuter, residential, hybrid, or online student. Designed to develop critical thinking and technical foundations, these programs provide early exposure to engineering pathways while allowing you to experience the academic rigor of a top-tier research university.
Location: Partner institutions across Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly listed; varies by placement and fellowship track
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort for Summer STEM Fellowship
Dates: Summer internships and fellowships; STEM Fellowship includes year-long meetings with a summer research component
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity; interest forms required before placement
Eligibility: Upper School students at The Bryn Mawr School; Summer STEM Fellowship open to rising seniors with strong interest in STEM research
The Bryn Mawr School’s Internships and Summer STEM Fellowship Program offers Upper School students structured opportunities to explore careers through hands-on, experiential learning. Through internships, you may be placed with local organizations in fields such as healthcare, museums, veterinary science, and STEM, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in professional environments. The Summer STEM Fellowship is a selective research-focused option for rising seniors, pairing you with leading Baltimore-area institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, and Towson University. You will conduct real-world research in areas including neurobiology, virology, engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, astronomy, cancer biology, and materials science. In addition to summer research, you will meet as a cohort throughout the year and present your work in a symposium-style poster session, with an emphasis on collaboration, scientific communication, and inquiry-driven learning.
Location: Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; internships and programming at no cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited multi-year cohort of MERIT Scholars
Dates: Year-round program with required summer internships (May–August; dates vary by grade level)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; applications typically open during the school year
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds in Baltimore with strong interest in health and medicine; long-term commitment across grades 10–12
The MERIT Health Leadership Academy is a multi-year academic and career mentorship program that prepares Baltimore high school students for careers in health and medicine. During the summer, you will participate in structured, hands-on internships tailored to your grade level, including clinical shadowing, community health placements, and laboratory-based research experiences. Rising juniors complete a clinical internship that exposes them to multiple healthcare specialties, while rising seniors choose between community health internships or mentored wet-lab research. Rising sophomores begin with a bioengineering and math-focused internship that builds foundational STEM skills in a laboratory setting. Beyond internships, MERIT emphasizes longitudinal mentorship, professional development, and college readiness, helping you connect classroom learning to real-world health challenges in Baltimore.
Location: Maryland Public Television, Owings Mills, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid for high school students (paid options only through partner programs for ages 18+)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by department and session
Dates: June 2–August 15 (summer session)
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications reviewed on an ongoing basis
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with reliable transportation who meet program requirements and commit to standard workday hours
The Maryland Public Television (MPT) Internship Program offers high school students an introduction to careers in public media and broadcasting through hands-on, in-person, or hybrid placements. As an intern, you may work in areas such as television programming, content development, co-productions, or business operations, depending on departmental needs. The program emphasizes professionalism and workplace readiness, allowing you to observe how a statewide public broadcaster produces educational and cultural content. Internships are designed to be educational rather than task-based, giving you exposure to collaborative workflows and media production environments. While high school positions are unpaid, the experience offers early-career exploration, mentorship, and insight into media professions at a respected public broadcasting institution.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend provided through partner programs
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; small cohort of interns
Dates: Mid-July–Mid-August
Application Deadline: TBA; announced prior to the summer cycle
Eligibility: Baltimore City high school students; interest in science or biomedical research encouraged
The Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) program is a paid summer research internship that immerses Baltimore City high school students in hands-on biomedical research at Johns Hopkins University. Over five weeks, you will work full-time in a high-tech teaching laboratory, learning core research skills under the guidance of full-time instructors. The curriculum introduces biophysics concepts alongside practical training in microbiology, DNA manipulation, protein engineering, and laboratory preparation techniques. You will also spend time in active Johns Hopkins research labs, interacting with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to better understand scientific career pathways. In addition to lab work, BRBT includes classroom-based instruction that reinforces the scientific principles behind each experiment, helping you build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Designed to be both rigorous and supportive, the program provides mentorship and early exposure to research environments that prepare you for advanced STEM study.
Location: Notre Dame of Maryland University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based summer camp; fees and housing costs to be announced
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; enrollment-based
Dates: Summer (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: Registration opening announced in advance of the summer session
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
The School of Pharmacy Summer Camp at Notre Dame of Maryland University introduces high school students to pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences through hands-on, lab-based learning. During the program, you will participate in activities such as compounding medications, exploring precision medicine, and examining the pharmacist’s role in both research and patient care. The camp also covers topics such as medication therapy management and the wide range of career paths available in pharmacy. Faculty-led sessions provide insight into how pharmacy professionals contribute to healthcare systems and scientific innovation. Designed as an exploratory experience, the program also includes guidance on preparing for pharmacy school and understanding academic pathways in pharmaceutical sciences.
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based; program fees vary by course and session
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; class sizes vary by course
Dates: June 22 – July 31 (five one-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling registration while spots remain
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th grade students
UMBC's High School Summer Programs offer short, skills-focused courses that allow high school students to explore academic interests, career pathways, and emerging technologies. Across five one-week sessions, you can choose from morning or afternoon classes in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, engineering, environmental science, music, debate, finance, and college preparation. Many courses emphasize hands-on learning, including building robots, analyzing forensic DNA, developing AI-powered tools, and conducting applied science experiments. Select offerings are held at the Shady Grove Campus and focus on advanced topics, including AP Computer Science, robotics, biotechnology simulations, and SAT preparation. Designed for flexibility and exploration, these programs allow you to sample college-style coursework while building practical skills and clarifying academic interests during the summer.
Location: Multiple sites across Baltimore City, MD (including university campuses, high schools, hospitals, and virtual platforms)
Cost/Stipend: Free for students attending traditional Baltimore City public schools; select programs offer paid internships or YouthWorks wages
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by program; some pathways are referral-based or have limited seats
Dates: Late June – Early August (program-specific schedules vary)
Application Deadline: Varies by program; registration timelines differ by pathway and student eligibility
Eligibility: Baltimore City Public Schools students in grades 9–12; specific programs may require enrollment in CTE pathways, referrals, or grade-level prerequisites
Baltimore City Public Schools offers a wide range of Summer Learning Programs designed to support academic progress, career exploration, and skill development for high school students. Depending on the program, you may participate in hands-on STEM and leadership camps, paid career and technical education (CTE) internships, fine arts enrichment, or healthcare-focused training experiences. Select programs, such as JROTC leadership camps, maritime and welding training, offshore wind workforce programs, and healthcare internships, provide real-world exposure and industry-aligned skills. Academic options include in-person and virtual credit recovery, multilingual learner support programs, and opportunities to earn original credit while meeting graduation requirements. Many pathways are offered at no cost and are specifically designed to support college readiness, workforce preparation, and equitable access to summer learning opportunities across Baltimore City.
13. Camp Baltimore
Location: Multiple sites across Baltimore City, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free for Baltimore City residents
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by camp provider; capacity depends on site and program type
Dates: Summer (June–August; session dates vary by camp)
Application Deadline: Rolling registration while spots remain
Eligibility: Baltimore City children and teens; grade and age eligibility vary by specific camp
Camp Baltimore is a citywide initiative that connects Baltimore students and families with free, high-quality summer camp opportunities offered by trusted local organizations. Through this program, you can enroll in in-person camps focused on academics, arts, sports, STEM, leadership, and social-emotional learning. Camps are held in neighborhoods across the city, making them accessible to a wide range of students. The program emphasizes safe environments, enrichment activities, and structured daily schedules that support continued learning outside the school year. Designed to reduce cost barriers and expand access, Camp Baltimore helps students stay engaged, build skills, and explore new interests throughout the summer.
Location: Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Tuition-based
Residential: $3,850 (2-week) or $7,700 (4-week)
Commuter: $2,725 (2-week) or $5,450 (4-week)
Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; portfolio-based admission
Dates:
July 13–July 24 (2-week Session One)
July 27–August 7 (2-week Session Two)
July 13–August 7 (4-week session)
Application Deadline: Early deadline January 5; final deadline April 30
Eligibility: Students ages 15–17; international students welcome
MICA’s Pre-College Summer Intensive is a studio-focused program that allows high school students to build advanced art and design skills while earning college credit. You will take an intensive studio course taught by MICA faculty, participate in workshops and artist talks, and engage in guided studio work designed to strengthen your portfolio. Course options span disciplines such as animation, illustration, graphic design, photography, fashion, product design, painting, ceramics, and game design. Students may choose between residential and commuter formats, with residential participants living on campus and experiencing college life firsthand.
Location: Maryland state government agencies, Central Maryland
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; $5,000 stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort of GSIP Fellows
Dates: May 26–August 7
Application Deadline: Applications open November 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors attending a Maryland institution (or Maryland residents attending out-of-state colleges) with a minimum GPA of 2.7; ability to be in Central Maryland at least three days per week
The Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP) is a competitive, paid summer fellowship that immerses students in the operations of Maryland state government. During the eleven-week program, you will work full-time with a state agency, collaborating closely with senior administrators and policymakers on substantive public policy and governance projects. In addition to agency placements, GSIP includes weekly seminars, orientation sessions, and structured reflection activities that deepen your understanding of public administration and social equity. You will also work in teams to conduct policy analyses, which you will present directly to the Governor at the end of the program. Coordinated by the Shriver Center at UMBC in partnership with the Office of the Governor, GSIP prepares future leaders for careers in public service through hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional networking.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.
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