15 Finance Programs for High School Students in Maryland
If you’re a high school student interested in building a strong foundation in business, economics, and financial management, consider participating in a finance-focused program. These programs provide practical skills training in budgeting, investing, and data analysis, while also offering insights into industry practices. You’ll also get the chance to gain experience, explore career paths, and develop meaningful professional connections. Beyond academics, you may also engage in team projects, case studies, and interactive workshops that hone communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Why should you attend a program in Maryland?
Maryland is home to several universities and organizations that offer programs in finance and related fields to high school students. You might participate in project-based activities, such as stock market challenges and business plan competitions, and attend mentorship sessions with industry professionals. These programs are ideal for local students who want to take advantage of nearby resources, as well as out-of-state students seeking exposure to Maryland’s academic and professional environment.
In this blog, we’ve listed 15 finance programs for high school students in Maryland.
If you’re looking for programs in Maryland, check out our blog here.
1. AICPA & CIMA Youth Apprenticeship Program
Location: Maryland (in partnership with the Apprenticeship Maryland Program)
Stipend: Paid (minimum wage through employer)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies (summer or academic year)
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by employer
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
The AICPA & CIMA Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed to help you start exploring careers in accounting and finance while still in school. Built on an “earn-while-you-learn” model, the program combines paid work experience with structured learning, giving you early exposure to the professional world. As an apprentice, you’ll work directly with a local employer while completing a set of learning components that build your understanding of business and finance. The program includes online coursework through the CGMA Finance Leadership Program, where you’ll cover foundational topics and earn a Business and Finance Essentials certificate. Alongside this, you’ll take part in a leadership academy, receive guidance from a coach, and gain hands-on experience through on-the-job training. Over the course of the program, you’ll complete at least 450 hours of paid work, applying what you learn in real time while developing practical skills. By the end, you’ll have both professional experience and a stronger foundation in accounting and finance, making it easier to step into future opportunities in the field.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by cohort. 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.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in 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 have the opportunity to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students have the opportunity 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. U.S. Department of the Treasury: Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: U.S. Treasury Department's headquarters, Washington, D.C., around 30 miles from Maryland
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens in an accredited high school
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program places you in departmental offices of the U.S. Treasury that deal with economic policy, public finance, regulation, and international affairs. You’ll assist with data analysis, drafting briefing materials, preparing economic policy documents, and supporting research teams. The experience provides exposure to federal economic policy workflow, professional mentorship, and networking opportunities with economists. The public-sector context within the program and the competitive selection process make this program valuable for you if you are interested in economics, finance, and policy roles.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Finance Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations (including Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, and Greater DC Region)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Year-long (during senior year + summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school seniors
Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program is a year-long experience designed to support high school seniors as they transition into college, careers, or vocational pathways. The program combines paid work experience with structured training and ongoing mentorship, helping you build both professional and life skills. During the school year, you’ll work part-time, and in the summer, you’ll shift to a full-time schedule, giving you consistent, hands-on exposure to a professional environment. Alongside your internship, you’ll complete pre-employment training and continue with regular workshops focused on workplace readiness, career planning, and personal development. Along the way, you’ll be guided by both a program coordinator and a workplace mentor who will help you navigate your experience, set goals, and plan your next steps after high school. By the end of the program, you’ll not only have real work experience but also a stronger sense of direction and access to networks that can support your future.
6. University of Maryland: Future Women in Business Conference
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: November 21 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school women in grades 10-12
The Future Women in Business Conference is a one-day, in-person case competition hosted by the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Designed to empower young women, the program focuses on leadership, problem-solving, and career exploration in business-related fields. You will engage in action-based learning through team case challenges guided by faculty and student leaders. The conference is hosted in partnership with the Women in Business Association and the Women’s Empowerment Institute. You will gain exposure to real-world business thinking while connecting with peers who share similar ambitions. The program encourages you to confidently explore future pathways in business and leadership.
7. Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE): Stock Market Game
Location: In-person through participating Maryland schools
Cost: Typically, free or low-cost for participating schools (exact cost varies by school/district)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Offered throughout the academic year; 10-week simulation
Application Deadline: Varies by school or program cycle
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in Maryland (grades vary by school participation)
The Stock Market Game is a hands-on financial education program that introduces students to investing through a real-world simulation. Over ten weeks, you will manage a virtual investment portfolio while learning how financial markets operate. You will analyze stocks, make trades, and track performance, developing skills in critical thinking and financial decision-making. The program integrates concepts from economics, math, and current events, making learning interdisciplinary and practical. Guided by teachers and supported by MCEE resources, you will gain confidence in understanding market behavior.
8. Paint Branch High School (National Academy Foundation): Academy of Finance
Location: Paint Branch High School, Burtonsville, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid internships offered during junior/senior year
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multi-year academic program; Summer internships typically 6-8 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by school cycle
Eligibility: Enrolled Paint Branch High School students (grades 9-12) with an interest in finance
The Academy of Finance at Paint Branch High School is a college-preparatory pathway designed to prepare you for careers in financial services. As part of the National Academy Foundation network, the program blends rigorous coursework with real-world industry exposure. As a participant, you will take specialized finance courses and can earn college credits while still in high school. A key component is a paid internship of at least 200 hours that offers hands-on experience in professional finance settings.You will also benefit from mentorship, site visits, guest speakers, and career-focused events. The program equips students with practical financial knowledge, workplace skills, and a strong foundation for college and future careers. This program also takes place at other high schools across Maryland; see here for more information.
9. Maryland Public Television (MPT) Internships
Location: Maryland Public Television office, Owings Mills, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: January 28 – May 15 (Spring); June 2 – August 15 (Summer); September 10 – December 15 (Fall)
Application Deadline: Varies by session and specific internship role
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Maryland Public Television (MPT) offers in-person and hybrid internships that give you a behind-the-scenes look at how public media operates. As a high school student, you can apply for unpaid roles across a wide range of departments, including programming, development, production, marketing, communications, IT, and more. These internships are designed to be hands-on, allowing you to contribute to real projects while learning how different parts of a television network come together. If you’re interested in the business side of media, you can explore areas like development, marketing, or corporate support, where you’ll gain exposure to budgeting, planning, client relations, and sales processes. Some roles also involve supporting account executives and participating in meetings or presentations, giving you insight into how media organizations work with advertisers and partners.
10. Career & Technical Education: Business Management and Finance
Location: Prince George’s County Public Schools, MD (offered at select county high schools)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Dual enrollment and internship opportunities available (paid internships may vary by placement)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multi-year program during the academic school year
Application Deadline: Varies by school and CTE enrollment timeline
Eligibility: PGCPS high school students in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA)
The Business Management and Finance CTE program prepares you for careers in business, finance, and related fields through structured, career-focused coursework. You will study core areas including entrepreneurship, accounting, financial analysis, business communications, and technology. Multiple three-year pathways, such as Finance, Accounting, Business Management, and Marketing, allow you to tailor your learning to specific interests. You may earn college credit through dual enrollment and gain hands-on experience through internships in your junior or senior year. The program emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.
11. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Select locations nationwide, including Maryland
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 16
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students (ages 16-18) able to attend all four weeks in person; U.S. work authorization required
CLA’s High School Internship is your gateway into the world of business, accounting, and professional services. Over four weeks, you’ll explore real projects and shadow professionals in your local CLA office. You’ll also collaborate with peers on team assignments. From learning the ropes of client service to understanding how accounting firms support communities, this internship helps you discover your strengths and passions.
12. Robert H. Smith School of Business’ High School Programs: – Men of Distinction Summit
Location: Robert H. Smith School of Business, College Park, MD
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: April 24
Deadline: Priority: March 27; Final: April 3
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12
The Men of Distinction Summit is a business-focused event that opens doors to future career possibilities and helps you explore what lies ahead. Through interactive sessions, you’ll dive into key ideas around business, leadership, and academic growth, gaining a clearer sense of how these concepts apply in the real world. Along the way, you’ll connect with faculty, professionals, and like-minded peers who share valuable insights and experiences from diverse business pathways. As you actively participate in discussions and collaborative activities, you’ll begin to build confidence and strengthen your leadership skills. You’ll also get a glimpse into college life and what it’s like to study business at the University of Maryland.
13. Loyola University Maryland: Sellinger Mission-Driven Business Academy
Location: Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD
Cost: $2,500 (early bird); $3,000; $50 non-refundable application fee
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 10
Application Deadline: November 1 – April 15
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.0+
The Sellinger Mission-Driven Business Academy is a five-day residential summer program focused on ethical and values-based business leadership. Designed by Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business, the program blends Jesuit principles with hands-on learning and leadership development. You will explore ethical decision-making through workshops, a field experience with Innovation Works, and a capstone project. Day one introduces Loyola’s Jesuit mission, laying the foundation for responsible, impact-driven leadership. You will also engage closely with faculty and mentors in a structured campus environment. The program concludes with a Certificate of Completion recognizing skills in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.
14. Morgan Stanley JumpStart Scholars in Finance
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate Selective
Dates: November – April
Application Deadline: Applications open in November
Eligibility: High school seniors
Morgan Stanley JumpStart Scholars in Finance is a five-month virtual program designed for high school seniors interested in exploring careers in finance. The experience is structured around bi-weekly sessions led by Morgan Stanley professionals, giving you direct exposure to how the industry works. Throughout the program, you’ll build a foundation in key areas such as financial literacy, wealth building, entrepreneurship, and core finance concepts. You’ll also gain insight into how Morgan Stanley operates while developing key soft skills such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and career readiness. The program wraps up with a capstone competition in April, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned to a real-world case study, bringing together both your technical understanding and problem-solving skills.
15. Rice University Pre-College Online Course – Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; Financial aid offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above
Rice University’s Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech course lets you learn at your own pace, helping you understand how market disruptions occur. You’ll explore concepts in fintech entrepreneurship, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and digital payments. You’ll also explore case studies of payment innovation for platforms such as PayPal and Venmo. Along the way, you’ll receive mentor guidance. The program will conclude with a capstone business concept.
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