13 Free Summer Programs for High School Students in Maryland
If you are a high school student looking to explore academic interests beyond the classroom, summer programs offer structured opportunities to learn new skills. Many programs include research projects, workshops, mentorship, and collaborative learning experiences that introduce you to areas such as science, technology, engineering, humanities, and public service. Participating in these opportunities can help you develop academic interests, strengthen your college profile, and connect with peers who share similar goals.
Why should you attend a program in Maryland?
Maryland is home to several universities, research institutes, hospitals, and government-affiliated organizations that offer educational opportunities for high school students. Through these programs, you may participate in research labs, academic seminars, leadership workshops, or technical training while learning from faculty members, researchers, and industry professionals. Many of these opportunities are fully funded, allowing students to explore new subjects and build meaningful academic experiences without financial barriers.
To help with your search, we have 13 free summer programs for high school students in Maryland.
If you’re looking for engineering programs in Maryland, check out our blog here.
1. ASPIRE High School Internship Program
Location: John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Laurel, MD
Stipend: Volunteer Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 23 – August 21; More info here
Application Deadline: February 15; Apply here
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be able to work on-site 30-40 hours per week; U.S. work authorisation required; More info here
The ASPIRE program is a competitive summer internship offered by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory designed to expose you to real-world STEM careers. You are paired with APL staff mentors and contribute to hands-on projects in a professional research and engineering environment. The program emphasises problem-solving, independence, collaboration, and creative thinking, rather than relying solely on prior STEM experience or GPA. You’ll work full-time on site throughout the summer, gaining insight into applied research, technical workflows, and interdisciplinary teamwork. ASPIRE’s goal is to help you explore STEM pathways before college while developing both technical and interpersonal skills critical for future success.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
The Veritas AI Scholars Program is an online academic enrichment program offered by Veritas AI that introduces you to the mathematical and computational foundations of artificial intelligence. The curriculum emphasises core concepts such as linear algebra, probability, optimisation, and mathematical modelling, alongside practical instruction in Python and machine learning frameworks. You’ll work in small, mentor-led cohorts guided by instructors from top universities, allowing for personalised feedback and collaborative learning. Through hands-on projects, you’ll build classifiers, neural networks, and data-driven analyses that mirror real-world AI applications.
3. Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Location: Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; Paid stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 1; More info here
Eligibility: Baltimore City high school students with an interest in science
Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) is a paid summer research internship hosted by Johns Hopkins University's Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. The program introduces you to interdisciplinary scientific research that integrates biology, physics, chemistry, and computational approaches. You’ll work full-time in a research-focused environment, gaining hands-on exposure to modern laboratory techniques and quantitative scientific thinking. BRBT emphasises understanding how biological systems function at the molecular and physical level, while encouraging curiosity and problem-solving. The program is designed to broaden access to high-impact STEM experiences and to prepare you for future academic and research pathways in the sciences.
4. Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation
Location: Remote—you can participate from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (no cost to students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 12-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter); exact dates vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students or students planning to enroll as a freshman in college in the fall, who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation offers a fully funded, selective research opportunity designed to expand access to high-quality mentorship for talented students. Through its flagship Breakthrough Scholar Program, participants are paired 1-on-1 with experienced Ph.D. mentors to complete an independent research project over 12 weeks. Students can pursue interdisciplinary studies across fields including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, and international relations. The program mirrors Lumiere’s Individual Research Scholar Program's structure while prioritizing access for high-achieving students. By the end of the program, scholars produce a polished independent research paper. This initiative is particularly well-suited for students seeking rigorous academic research experience with full financial support.
5. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: December 3
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
TASS focuses on humanities and social sciences, examining how power, privilege, history, literature, art, and politics shape societies and social structures. You’ll enrol in one of two seminar tracks, African and Black Studies (TASS-CBS) or Anti-Oppressive Studies (TASS-AOS), and participate in daily, college-level classes centred on discussion, reading, and writing rather than grades. Beyond academics, you’ll live together in a democratic community, practising shared governance, public speaking, and transformative justice.
6. Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine - East Baltimore Campus, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; $3,000 stipend upon successful completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – August 13
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students from low-income households
This program is designed to support talented scholars from socioeconomically under-resourced backgrounds. SARE immerses scholars in authentic laboratory research alongside doctoral and postdoctoral mentors. You’ll spend the majority of your time conducting hands-on biomedical research while also completing advanced coursework in scientific writing, data analysis, mathematics, and bioethics. The program emphasises four pillars, mentoring, research, professionalism, and academic fortification, to build both technical skills and academic confidence. SARE culminates in scientific presentations, with some scholars earning co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications, and has a strong track record of college matriculation and STEM degree attainment among alumni.
7. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program: JROTC Summer Cadet STEM/Leadership Camp
Location: Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
Cost: Free for eligible students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: By referral; varies by JROTC unit
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th grade students enrolled in a JROTC program; students must be referred by their JROTC instructor
Through the JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), you’ll practice teamwork and leadership while experiencing college life in a residential setting at Bowie State University. You’ll participate in adventure-based leadership activities, such as confidence and leadership reaction courses, archery, and swimming, alongside STEM learning in areas like drones, 3D printing, and robotics. The program emphasises discipline, collaboration, and real-world problem solving in a structured, supportive environment. Designed to strengthen leadership skills and STEM exposure, the camp provides an intensive, no-cost opportunity for motivated JROTC students to grow academically and personally.
8. Baltimore City Public Schools Summer Learning Programs
Location: Baltimore, MD
Cost: Most programs are free for students enrolled in traditional Baltimore City Public Schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: During Summer (specific dates vary by program)
Application Deadline: Rolling and program-specific
Eligibility: Baltimore City Public Schools students across grade levels, including high school students
Baltimore City Public Schools Summer Learning Programs offer a wide range of free and low-cost academic enrichment, credit recovery, arts, STEM, and career exploration opportunities for students across all grade levels. These programs are designed to support academic growth, skill-building, and your engagement during the summer months. Offerings include STEM academies, Advanced Placement preparation, career and technical education camps, fine arts programs, multilingual learner support, and credit recovery options. Many programs are targeted to specific grade bands, such as rising 6th graders, middle school students, or high school students preparing for college and careers.
9. ESTEEM / SER-Quest Summer Program
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 20 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Rising 12th-grade students
The program introduces you to college-level engineering research through guided projects and structured mentorship. You’ll explore engineering concepts, conduct literature reviews, and develop research proposals while learning how engineering research is conducted in an academic setting. In addition to research, you’ll receive support in college preparation, financial aid literacy, and career readiness. The program aims to strengthen your competitiveness for admission to engineering programs, particularly at the University of Maryland, while providing early exposure to the expectations and culture of collegiate engineering research.
10. Summer Academy of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences (SAAMS)
Location: Virtual (primary) with final week in-person at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; stipend provided to accepted students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – July 24
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: February 28; General deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising 11th or 12th graders, or graduating seniors entering Morgan State University
The program is designed to increase participation in mathematics, actuarial science, and related fields. SAAMS offers you exposure to interdisciplinary coursework in mathematics, actuarial science, and computer science. You are selected through a competitive application process and engage in structured classes alongside professional development workshops and program-related field trips. The program is primarily virtual, making it accessible to a broad range of students, with an immersive final week held on campus to build community and provide firsthand exposure to university life. Through academic instruction, mentorship, and enrichment activities, SAAMS helps prepare you for college-level study and future careers in quantitative and computational disciplines.
11. WIE RISE! An Introduction to Engineering Research (Virtual)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; (scholarships available based on financial need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students; open to all students; no prior engineering experience required
WIE RISE! is a short-term virtual summer program hosted by the Women in Engineering Program within the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland. Designed as an introduction rather than a formal internship, the program exposes you to engineering through the lens of academic research. You’ll explore a different engineering discipline each day through virtual lab tours, demonstrations, and discussions led by current Maryland Engineering undergraduates. You’ll learn how scientific research papers are structured, engage in guided at-home experiments using basic materials, and gain insight into interdisciplinary engineering research.
12. Girls Who Code – Pathways Program
Location: Virtual (open to students worldwide; select cities may offer in-person Industry Immersion Days)
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – August 14; More info here
Application Deadline: Early: February 25; General: April 10
Eligibility: High school girls and non-binary students (including rising 9th graders, graduating seniors, returning participants, and Summer Programs alumni); More info here
Pathways is a free, seven-week virtual coding program designed to help you build technical and problem-solving skills while exploring careers in technology. You’ll choose from five tracks, Data Science + AI, Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and AI + Society, and complete hands-on projects at your own pace. In addition to coursework, you’ll engage in virtual Partner Events with leading tech organizations and connect through a private Discord community. Pathways emphasizes skill-building, professional networking, and community, empowering you to combine your interests with emerging technologies. The program is open to students of all experience levels and fosters an inclusive environment focused on sisterhood, confidence, and career exploration.
13. GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS)
Location: Virtual (U.S.-based participants only)
Cost: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 1,000 students
Dates: June 1 – August 28
Application Deadline: March 15 (or earlier if 1,000 applications are received); opens February 15
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending U.S.-based high schools; rising juniors/seniors or incoming college freshmen (Fall); minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA; at least one high school biology course; stable internet access and Google account required
GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a 12-week, asynchronous summer program designed to introduce you to space biology research conducted through NASA’s GeneLab platform. You’ll learn omics-based research methodologies, bioinformatics, and computational biology techniques for analyzing large-scale biological datasets from spaceflight experiments. The curriculum includes pre-recorded lectures, JupyterLab notebooks, and optional weekly office hours. An optional Capstone Project allows selected student teams to conduct original data analysis and present their findings at a competitive Capstone Showcase, with top teams potentially earning travel to present at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research conference. The program equips you with foundational bioinformatics skills while exposing you to real-world NASA space biology research.
Image source - Lumiere Education