11 Internships for High School Students in Maryland
If you are a high school student interested in getting early exposure to careers in science, public service, law, or the arts, internships provide a good way to gain professional experience and explore future pathways. These experiences expose you to professional settings where you can develop practical skills, observe day-to-day operations, and learn how different industries function. They also help you connect with mentors, peers, and professionals who can expand your network and guide your next academic or career steps.
Why should you attend an internship in Maryland?
Maryland is home to research institutions, government agencies, and universities that offer a wide range of internships for high school students. Interning here gives you access to experienced mentors, meaningful projects, and professional networks that can help you prepare for college and future careers. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from another state, Maryland’s mix of public institutions and private organizations makes it an ideal place to gain early career experience.
To help with your search, below are 11 internships for high school students in Maryland.
If you are looking for summer programs in Maryland, check out our blog here.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Stipend: $3,000
Application Deadline: January 25
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer with flexible start and end dates
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors | 16 years old by internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship for high school students passionate about fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll be paired with a local mentor to guide your experience. Internship activities differ by location and may include fieldwork, laboratory research, data analysis, and community outreach. You might participate in tasks such as electrofishing, water quality assessments, or habitat restoration projects. Participants must submit biweekly time sheets, along with both a mid-summer and a final report. This program provides an introduction to potential careers in fisheries biology and other environmental science fields.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. Internships at the Circuit Court
Location: Montgomery County Circuit Court, Rockville, MD
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: 6 weeks from mid-June – August
Eligibility: High school students
The Montgomery County Circuit Court Internship provides high school and college students with hands-on administrative experience in a professional environment. Interns assist with court operations across different offices, enhancing organizational, communication, and time management skills. Although the program does not include direct interaction with judges or attorneys, it offers valuable insight into how courts function. Internship schedules are adaptable and offered both during the summer and the school year. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to acquire Student Service Learning (SSL) hours through this program.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a competitive program that allows high school students to gain real-world experience by interning remotely with fast-growing startups. Participants work with companies across diverse sectors such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, consulting, and journalism. Many of these startups are backed by Y Combinator and led by founders with experience at Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. Interns collaborate closely with startup managers and Ladder Coaches on impactful projects, presenting their outcomes at the end. All current internship opportunities are listed on Ladder’s application form.
5. Law Links Internship
Location: University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law + Various law firms in Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour
Application Deadline: April 5
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors attending a Baltimore City Public High School and living in Baltimore City
As a Law Links intern, you’ll engage in a seven-week, full-time paid internship at a law firm or legal organization. Your responsibilities include supporting daily office operations and shadowing attorneys and legal professionals, providing firsthand insight into the legal profession. The program also includes the Law & Leadership Institute, a 50-hour seminar series on legal education and career preparation held at the University of Maryland’s law school. Interns begin with a detailed orientation and attend weekly professional development sessions. Business attire is provided to ensure readiness for a professional work environment.
6. U.S. DOJ Pathways Internships
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Varies by intern's education level, the specific position, and the duration of the internship
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Dates: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited school | at least 16 years old | minimum 2.0 GPA
The U.S. Department of Justice Pathways Internship Program offers high school students an introduction to careers within the federal government. Interns have the chance to work across different DOJ agencies, exploring fields like law, public policy, and administration. The program provides mentorship and professional development to help students build essential career skills. Participants gain hands-on experience that enhances their understanding of public service.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local non-profit organizations
Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: 8 weeks from June – August
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a highly regarded paid internship for high school students interested in business. Over eight weeks, participants gain hands-on experience in finance, accounting, and community leadership. Interns work on projects that strengthen skills in budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic planning. In addition to its core curriculum, the program is designed to foster leadership skills, networking, and civic participation. Students will have the chance to engage with banking professionals, attend lectures by guest speakers, and take part in workshops led by industry experts.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1; applications open on August 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9 and are 16 or older by the internship start date
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) gives high school students the chance to conduct hands-on STEM research in Navy laboratories. Over the course of eight weeks, participants work under the guidance of experienced mentors, exploring naval science and engineering in a professional lab environment. Interns assist with active research projects and gain exposure to careers in naval technology and innovation. The program also includes professional development through shadowing, networking, and leadership sessions.
9. USC Center for the Political Future Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application Deadline: May 19
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students (excluding graduating seniors) with a minimum 3.5 GPA
The USC Center for the Political Future, in collaboration with the USC Wrigley Institute, offers a summer internship focused on environmental policy. During the program, you’ll examine political systems by analyzing a local, state, or federal sustainability-related bill. Based on their chosen bill, participants are required to complete two assignments: a legislative policy memo and an analysis of the legislative process. Regardless of whether the bill has passed, failed, or is still under consideration, you’ll assess its context and effects. The fully online program provides a structured environment to develop and apply political research skills.
10. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $25 application fee
Application Deadline: February 2
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Eligibility: Students 15 years or older by June 18
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University allows high school students to engage in hands-on research across multiple scientific fields. Interns work alongside faculty and specialists, acquiring proficiency in cutting-edge tools and research methodologies. The program provides avenues to delve into fields like neuroscience, bioengineering, data science, and forensic science. Alongside research, students build skills in scientific writing, communication, and career development through mentorship and workshops. Some participants may even present their work at conferences or contribute to published studies.
11. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week online program that helps high school students explore how artificial intelligence is applied in healthcare. The program offers comprehensive learning, starting with technical lectures on core AI concepts and their medical applications. It features mentorship opportunities, collaborative group research projects, and presentations from leading experts in academia, government, and industry. Additionally, students participate in "Lunch and Learn" sessions dedicated to career development at the intersection of technology and medicine. After the main program, those interested can continue with extended research opportunities.
Image source - Ladder Internships